Fort Plain Central School District > District News > Capital project construction is underway

Capital project construction is underway

construction equipment removes surface of tennis court at high school
The Jr./Sr. High School’s tennis courts are being resurfaced as part of Fort Plain’s capital project.

Construction is underway at the Fort Plain Central School District for its capital improvement project. Work is being conducted at both school buildings and the district bus garage. The project includes health and safety upgrades, addresses maintenance needs and enhances the district’s facilities.

construction crews work on a water line outside of an elementary school
Construction crews work on a water line outside of the Harry Hoag Elementary School.

Construction firms have put in 5,000 man hours in recent months to conduct the work. Superintendent of Schools John Bishop says the project is on-time and on-budget. It is anticipated that much of the work will be completed before the first day of instruction on Sept. 8.

“This project allows the district to realize greater operational efficiencies and supports the district’s goals, especially in the areas of health and safety,” Bishop said. “We’re updating aging building systems and making much-needed infrastructure improvements. This work helps reduce long-term maintenance costs and keeps our facilities in top working order.”

exterior of a school building shows masonry updates
Exterior masonry restoration is being conducted at both school buildings.

District voters approved the $11.2 million project in December 2018. The project does not have an impact on the tax levy. It is financed in part by $1.3 million from the district’s capital reserve fund. The remaining funds are provided by the sale of bonds. Fort Plain is eligible to receive a 94.9 percent reimbursement from the state on allowable expenditures. 

The capital project addresses three major areas of need:

Health and Safety

  • construction equipment in a school gym
    Ceiling tiles are being replaced in the Jr./Sr. High School gymnasium.

    Fire alarm system upgrades at both schools

  • HVAC upgrades at both schools
  • Classroom door security upgrades at both schools
  • Installation of an emergency generator at the Jr./Sr. High School
  • Cafeteria renovation and kitchen upgrades at Harry Hoag Elementary School

Building Maintenance and Enhancements

  • Roof reconstruction at both schools
  • Replace outdated windows in a portion of the elementary school
  • Masonry restoration at both schools
  • Refinish gym floor, install new divider curtain and wall pads in the high school gymnasium
  • Server room expansion
  • Enclose open maintenance area at bus garage

Site Maintenance and Improvements

  • Replace water main/sanitary line at the elementary campus
  • Replace pumps serving athletic complex
  • Reconstruction of track and fields at the athletic complex
  • Paving reconstruction including tennis and basketball courts at the high school and parking and site improvements at the elementary school
  • Drainage reconstruction behind the bus garage