Community members in the Duanesburg Central School District approved a $6.9 million, tax-neutral capital project at the polls Tuesday evening by a vote of 103 in favor and 68 opposed. The project is an extension of the current Centennial Capital Project, named in honor of the 100th anniversary of Delanson High School—a building that continues to serve students in grades 6–12.
“We are grateful to our community for supporting our efforts to maintain our facilities in ways that meet the current needs of our students and families, continue to modernize our learning and teaching spaces, and prioritize safety, while also being fiscally responsible,” said Superintendent of Schools Kim Ross.
The newly approved Phase III of the Centennial Capital Project will address work that could not be completed during Phases I and II, including the following improvements:
- A Dedicated Student Support Center at the Jr.–Sr. High School: This modernized space will consolidate the school’s counselors, social workers, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and Special Education department into a single, dedicated suite, enhancing collaboration and access to services. The space would feature a dedicated exterior entrance to provide greater privacy for families seeking support.
- High School Gymnasium Upgrades: Planned maintenance includes ventilation improvements to enhance indoor air quality, fresh paint on the gymnasium walls, the addition of new DCS-branded decals, and the installation of new basketball hoops.
- DES Bus Loop Infrastructure: The project will support critical infrastructure upgrades at the DES bus loop, enabling the district to take its first steps toward preparing for the future electric charging needs of its evolving bus fleet. These electric charging stations would enable staff, visitors, and buses from visiting athletic teams to charge electric vehicles while on campus, and would help ensure the district remains aligned with NYSED-mandated expectations to ultimately support electric buses in the future.
- Finalizing DES Roof Project: The final stretch of roofing at the Elementary School would be completed in Phase III. Work would begin on that roof in 2027 once the current roof meets the end of its warranty period. Once finished, every roof in the district will be up-to-date and not expected to need replacement for another 20+ years.
- Other Miscellaneous Work Included: Restoration of flooring at the Jr.-Sr. High School; Construction of a new safety fence around the baseball field at the Jr.-Sr. High School
The project is tax-neutral, meaning it will not increase the school district’s tax levy. The start of Phase III has been deliberately timed to coincide with the retirement of a previous bond, ensuring that residents’ school taxes remain stable and do not rise as a direct result of this project. This strategic timing supports the district’s long-term financial planning and helps protect taxpayers from sudden changes in their tax bills.
Phase II of the Centennial Capital Project is expected to be completed in early 2027, with Phase III projected to begin in the summer of 2027. The next step is for the district to submit its plan for approval by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), a process that can take a year or more to complete.