Queensbury Elementary School students participated in a “topping out” ceremony Wednesday morning, signing their names to a structural beam that will be used in the renovation of the elementary building.
Students took turns writing their names in black Sharpie markers on the white structural steel beam, which will be used to support the new principals’ suite at the front entrance of the UPK-grade 3 school.
“This is a fun way for the students to be a part of the renovation process and literally leave their mark for future generations of Queensbury Elementary School students,” said Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon.
Back in December 2023, Queensbury voters approved a $39 million capital project proposal called “Success for our Future.” Most of the money was slated to modernize the 55-year-old elementary school, to transform it into a fresh, contemporary space.
Phase 1 of construction has been completed, including two new playgrounds, a new outdoor post-lunch recess area, a new front parking lot and bus loop, and a completely renovated third-grade wing with a learning commons space for collaboration.
Phase 1 also included renovations to the middle school windows and high school bathrooms. The high school removed four communal bathrooms and replaced them with 15 single-stall bathrooms, each with its own toilet and sink.
Construction will begin in April on renovations to the locker rooms connected to the district pool, which is located at the elementary building. The changes, which will include single-stall changing rooms, new showers, single-stall toilets and new lockers, will be completed in November.
“We are planning to enhance our facilities while adding more privacy for students,” Gannon said. “We’re thankful to our taxpayers for supporting us on this journey.”
The district is planning to replace communal bathrooms at Queensbury Middle School with more single-stall bathrooms like at the high school.
The proposed budget will also include funds for air conditioning in the high school Blue Gym, air conditioning in the William H. Barton Intermediate School cafeteria, and air at the middle school nurse’s office and media center.