Voters in Fairport, New York, approved the Fairport for the Future 2025 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to conclude last month. The project consists of more than $73 million in upgrades and updates to elementary and middle schools in the district.
According to officials, the money comes from capital reserve funds, debt drop-off and state aid, with no additional tax impact on residents.
Six schools will receive funds for updates, including four elementary schools and two middle schools. Officials said that when designing the CIP, they kept four main themes in mind: fiscal responsibility and use of Capital Reserve funding, transforming outdated spaces for kids and faculty workers, supporting K-8 school communities and maximizing efficiency, operations, versatility and useful life of school facilities.
Brooks Hill Elementary, built in 1961, will receive over $11 million for planned renovations. Select classrooms will get new ceilings and lighting, toilet rooms and ADA improvements. The plan also calls for cafeteria reconstruction and HVAC upgrades. Building-wide changes include upgrades to the Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, Public Address (PA) system, fire alarm system and general electric service.
Dudley Elementary, constructed in 1969, will get just shy of $9 million in updates. Major renovations include fire-rated corridor walls, doors, flooring and new cubbies. The school will also reconstruct its library with fire-rated walls, lighting, casework and various finishes. HVAC systems in the library will also be replaced. Building-wide updates include the same systems as Brooks Hill, with DDC and PA upgrades, fire alarm updates and general electrical improvements.
Northside Elementary was also built in 1969 and will receive over $10 million for construction projects. Along with many of the same updates as the other schools, such as fire-rated walls, PA and DDC improvements, the school will also upgrade its cafeteria with new ceilings, lighting and HVAC system.
Jefferson Avenue Elementary, built in 1965, will receive about $9.8 million for improvements. The renovations center on the cafeteria and kitchen areas, with the cafeteria getting fresh paint, new flooring, acoustical treatments, updated ceilings and lighting, plus HVAC upgrades that will add air conditioning. The kitchen will be outfitted with new finishes and equipment. Bathrooms throughout the building will also be renovated. Like the other schools in the district, Jefferson Avenue will receive building-wide DDC control upgrades, PA system improvements, fire alarm system updates and electrical service enhancements.
The two middle schools round out the project scope. Johanna Perrin Middle School, constructed in 1954, will get $7.75 million for renovations focused on its Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classrooms, large gymnasium and cafeteria. The gymnasium will receive HVAC upgrades, while the cafeteria will get similar climate control improvements along with the demolition of its existing stage to open the space for multipurpose use.
Martha Brown Middle School, built in 1963, will receive $6.6 million, which includes FACS classroom renovations, cafeteria HVAC upgrades and bathroom improvements. Martha Brown will also see site improvements including tennis court resurfacing, select sidewalk replacements and upgraded site lighting. Both middle schools will receive the same building-wide infrastructure upgrades as the elementary schools.
The next steps for the district will be to move forward with detailed design development and project bidding in the coming months. Construction is expected to begin in phases to minimize disruption to students and staff, with work scheduled during summer breaks and school vacation periods where possible. Given the scope and scale of the improvements across six buildings, district officials anticipate the project will take several years to complete.
Photo by Pixabay
