New York town approves $126 million in school improvements

Voters in the western New York town of Jamestown approved a $126 million Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to support improvements across nine schools and its bus garage. School officials said the latest CIP is needed to address upgrades that couldn’t be included in the $86.5 million improvements voters approved in 2021.

Work stemming from the bond approved in December 2023 is slated to begin in 2024 and run through 2029.

Persell Middle School will see the largest amount – $22.4 million – for roof replacement and upgrades to water heating, water service and HVAC systems. Plans include upgrading mechanical systems from the 1950s and 1980s, and renovating staff and student bathroom.

Additionally all nine schools and the bus garage will receive upgraded emergency systems and communication systems. Eight schools will require new electronic road signs, and generators will be either replaced or added to seven schools.

Exterior security improvements and security window film will be added to all five of the district’s elementary schools: Bush, Ring, Fletcher, Lincoln and Love.

Ring Elementary will receive $15.6 million in renovations, including $2.7 million for its auditorium renovation and $2.5 million for expansion and renovation of its existing cafeteria. Bush Elementary will also renovate its auditorium and gym at costs of $2.6 million and $1.2 million respectively as part of a $12.3 million project.

Upgrades to athletic facilities include improvements to Jefferson Middle School’s outdoor track, and to the tennis and pickleball court at Washington Middle School.

Essential maintenance projects include installing accessible sidewalks at five elementary schools, one middle school, plus the bus garage. Plans also call for building parking lots at both Jefferson and Washington middle schools, in addition to the bus garage and Lincoln Elementary.

Heating and cooling improvements are slated for Persell Middle School, Bush Elementary and the bus garage, while work will be carried out on the retaining walls of Jamestown High, Lincoln and Love elementary schools and the bus garage.