Voters in Queensbury Union Free School District approved a $39 million capital project proposal on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 by a vote of 447 to 174. Voters also approved the proposition to use the $4 million from the established Capital Reserve Fund, which was originally approved by voters on May 17, 2022. That proposition passed by a vote of 451 to 170.

The project, called “Success for our Future,” will modernize the elementary school, replace a boiler, rear windows and roofing at the middle school, renovate bathrooms at the high school, and electrify the bus garage for the future accommodation of electric buses.

“I’m thankful that the community supports this capital project, which will help maintain the functionality of our buildings as well as set our youngest learners up for success in their future educational endeavors,” said Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon. “The elementary school renovation is long overdue.”

Most of the money will be allocated to renovating instructional spaces at the Queensbury Elementary School building, which is 55 years old. The goal is to transform the elementary school into a fresh, contemporary space for Queensbury children to learn and grow.

Dark, heavy wooden furniture will be removed and replaced with light, modern, flexible desks and seating. Chalk boards will be removed and replaced with white boards. The wings of the elementary school will be realigned to place kindergarten classrooms near the new UPK classrooms.

Instructional spaces inside the school will be reconfigured to create three new Learning Commons, which provide students with opportunities for hands-on exploration, collaboration and innovation.

The QES cafeteria will be expanded and turned into a “cafegymatorium,” creating a multipurpose space for physical education and community events.

The plan also provides for construction of two new QES playgrounds, one for UPK and kindergarten students and a second playground for first, second and third grade students.

The relocation of the playground will allow for construction of a new access road and the reconfiguration of traffic patterns leading to QES to alleviate traffic congestion on campus.

This project has been in the planning stages for two years. In that time, administrators visited schools in New England, held a community forum, met with architects, and presented the project during two virtual community meetings on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5.

Tax increases will not be required to fund this proposed capital project. For Queensbury, 75% of every dollar spent on construction will be paid for by state aid.

In May of 2022, the Board of Education supported the authorization of a $4 million capital reserve for this project. That $4 million will be used to pay cash up front, allowing the school to borrow less, reducing interest costs and principal payments.

Construction is expected to begin in spring/summer 2025.

William H. Barton Intermediate School

Queensbury voters approve $39 million capital project