Guided Facility Tour and Public Hearing set for December 2
The Duanesburg Central School District is proposing a tax-neutral $6.9 million capital project that will go before voters in a community referendum on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Voting will take place from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Library Media Center at the Jr.-Sr. High School.
In advance of the vote, community members are invited on Tuesday, December 2, to take part in a guided tour of the Jr.-Sr. High School. The tour will highlight progress made in Phases I and II of the ongoing Centennial Project and provide an overview of the areas included in the newly proposed project, which will serve as an extension of the current capital project and is being billed as Phase III of the Centennial initiative.
The tour will begin at 5:00 p.m., led by Superintendent Kimberly Ross, Assistant Superintendent of Management Services Jeffrey Rivenburg, and Facilities Director Aanen Aanensen. A public hearing will follow at 6:00 p.m., and the district’s regularly scheduled monthly business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Why Now? A Strategic Financial Opportunity:
As a school district, DCS is committed to being both fiscally responsible and forward-thinking in how it cares for its facilities and plans for the future. A key reason for the timing of this proposed capital project is the strategic opportunity to align it with the upcoming retirement of a previous bond—a form of long-term funding the district previously used to support earlier facility improvements.
This thoughtful timing allows the district to maintain consistency in its long-term financial planning. It helps protect taxpayers from sudden changes in their tax bills and supports a smooth, predictable approach to funding necessary upgrades and renovations to the buildings.
“The timing really couldn’t be better, especially as we near completion of the Centennial Capital Project,” said Superintendent Ross. “This presents the perfect opportunity to revisit some of the important ‘wish list’ items that had to be cut from the first and second phases of the Centennial project due to budget constraints. Now, with the timing of the bond retirement, we’re in a position to responsibly address those needs. Moving forward with Phase III of the Centennial Project is a smart and responsible financial decision for the community.”
Scope of the Project – What is Included in Phase III?:
A highlight of Phase III of the Centennial Project involves the renovation of a brand-new Student Support Center at the Jr.-Sr. High School. This modernized space would bring together the school’s counselors, social workers, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and Special Education department into one dedicated suite. By housing these closely connected services under one roof, the center would foster greater collaboration among staff—all working toward the shared goal of supporting student success. The space would feature a dedicated exterior entrance to provide greater privacy for families seeking support.
“I have to admit, this part of the capital project brings me the greatest sense of pride,” Superintendent Ross said. “Our student support specialists are essential partners in helping students and their families navigate challenges and thrive. With this new space, they will finally have a cohesive, modern environment that reflects the depth and importance of their work in supporting the whole child and the broader school community.”
Planned renovations in the high school gymnasium aim to modernize the building’s ventilation infrastructure, significantly improving indoor air quality and airflow efficiency. The project also includes aesthetic upgrades such as fresh paint on the gym walls and the addition of new DCS-branded decals. New basketball hoops will be also installed to support the needs of our student-athletes and enhance the overall experience for students in P.E. classes.
The project would support critical infrastructure upgrades at the DES bus loop that will enable the district to take its first steps toward preparing for the future electric charging needs of its evolving bus fleet.
Other items included in this extended Phase III of the Centennial Project include finalizing the remaining roof project at the Duanesburg Elementary School and the restoration of flooring at the Jr.-Sr. High School.
Absentee Ballots & Early Mail In Voting:
As with any school referendum, community members who will not be able to vote in-person on December 16 can apply for an absentee ballot or an early mail ballot. Voters who are approved by Schenectady County to receive absentee ballots each year do not have to fill out an annual application and will automatically be sent an absentee ballot from the district clerk.
Completed applications for absentee or early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days prior to the election (December 9, 2025) if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.
All absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 16, 2025.
Go to the “Voting Info” page of the district website for more information.