Corinth voters to decide $12 million renovation project on Feb. 9 | Local | poststar.com

Mark Stratton, the principal of the Collins School, pointed out the refurbishment phase of the auditorium in the middle and high school complex. This is part of a proposed capital project of $12 million.

The existing facade of the Corinth Middle School and High School Complex on Oak Street. As part of a capital project worth 12 million U.S. dollars, the canopy will be demolished and the exterior walls will be remodeled. The project will be held in front of voters on February 9. 

A rendering of the proposed renovation of the exterior of Corinth High School. This is part of a $12 million capital project that will be held in front of voters on February 9.

The existing science classrooms at Corinth High School. The classrooms will be refurbished as part of a $12 million capital project. 

The exterior renderings of the refurbished science classrooms at Corinth Middle and High Schools. This is part of a $12 million capital project that will be held in front of voters on February 9. 

The principal of the Collins School, Mark Stratton, showed off the wrestling room, which will be renovated as part of a $12 million capital project. 

School officials said that the proposed $12 million school renovation project will provide students with more collaborative learning spaces and better prepare them for college and careers.

"Do we want to maintain the status quo for the next 20 years, or do we want to compete with some first-class schools, Saratoga Springs, Queensbury?" Superintendent Mark Stratton said.

Voters will go to the polling station on February 9 to decide on the project, which the district named "Building Our Future." "Restore the past" to address safety requirements, expand teaching space and improve energy efficiency.

Voting will open at the Collins Department of Transportation Building at 30 Saratoga Avenue from 9 am to 8 pm.

One of the highlights of the project is the renovation of the high school entrance, the removal of the bus roof, and the addition of new colors and siding.

Instead of having separate entrances for middle and high schools, a central entrance will be created in the middle. Security cameras will be installed and the entrance will be barrier-free.

The roof of the bus will be removed, Stratton said, which will improve the overall appearance of the building.

He said that some people oppose deleting it because it can cover up bad weather. However, in addition to being ugly, the canopy is aging and needs annual maintenance. Lead paint is present.

Another core of the project is the renovation of the auditorium. Stratton said the floor needs to be replaced and the chair is tearing.

The direction of the auditorium will change, so a new stage can be built along the current left wall. The capacity will increase from 384 to 450. It will create space for the orchestra and more practice space.

Some classrooms will be relocated for better mobility, for example, the concert hall is close to the auditorium.

The wrestling room will receive new mats and other upgrades.

Stratton said that music and wrestling are both very active programs in school.

He said: "We are trying to attract our community and give them what they want and what they need."

Stratton said the outdated science room will be upgraded. They will get new cabinets, storage space and furniture.

Stratton said that the physics teacher taught him in an ordinary classroom, and he must bring his supplies to conduct experiments.

He said: "This is a very troublesome process."

Other areas in the school that need improvement include social learning classrooms and special education classrooms.

Classrooms will receive new furniture and technology. School officials said the goal is to transform these classrooms from traditional desks into collaborative office spaces.

High school principal Eric Schenone said that the family and consumer science room and the technology room will be upgraded.

All bathrooms will have disabled access.

Energy-saving LED lights will be installed throughout the campus. The fire alarm and security system will be replaced.

Stratton said the region can take some of the larger projects to complete ahead of schedule, including upgrading all rooftop air handlers to new and higher filtration standards. In the elementary school, a new barrier-free entrance will be constructed and new energy-saving windows and lamps will be installed.

Stratton said that the committee that put the architectural project together returned to the drawing board, reshaped the project, and deleted some items, such as the salt shed, which did not directly affect the teaching effect.

Stratton said: "They think the money is best spent on our students."

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the economy. However, Stratton said he believes that the project will not impose an economic burden on the community. The region withdrew $650,000 from its reserves. State aid can cover nearly 79% of the cost, about 9.43 million US dollars. As a result, the local cost is $1.918 million.

The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 will pay an additional $17.74 in taxes each year. This is for any STAR exemption. The basic STAR is $12.42 and the premium STAR is $5.20.

Stratton said he and business manager Sue Foley are very conservative about the district's money. In the 2016-2017 school year, the school district’s deficit was $1 million. Cut it in half next year, and cut it in half since then. Since the 2018-2019 school year, the school district has never had a deficit. The average tax rate in the past three years has increased by 2.78%.

Stratton said he believes this is a necessary project to help students compete in the 21st century economy.

They urgently need these resources. We are very confident and satisfied with the funding of the project. "He says.

If approved by voters, the design work will continue throughout the summer. The plan will be submitted to the state for approval by October.

The project will be tendered in early 2022 and the contract will be awarded in March 2022.

Construction will take place from June 2022 to June 2023 and will end at the end of 2023.

Voters can request absentee ballots. You can apply at the Oak Street District Office of Civil Affairs from 7:45 am to 4 pm on weekdays.

If you want to mail a ballot to voters, you must receive the request at least 7 days before the ballot; if you want to vote, you must receive the request one day before the ballot. The absentee ballot must be received by 5 pm on February 9.

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Officials at Corinth School are seeking voter approval for the $12 million capital construction project on February 9. Voting will open in the Collins Department of Transportation building at 30 Saratoga Avenue from 9 am to 8 pm.

The district withdrew $650,000 from the capital reserve fund and settled the rest. State aid will bear 79% of the cost. The following are the highlights of the proposed improvements:

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The Corinth Education Board is scheduled to vote on a $12 million capital project in the region on February 9.

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