Fort Edward proposes $14.7 million tax‑neutral capital project for safety, roof and HVAC upgrades

The Fort Edward Union Free School District presented plans for a roughly $14.7 million capital project that district leaders said would be tax‑neutral because building aid is expected to reimburse about 90% of eligible costs.

Superintendent Rich DeMally described the project scope as focused on safety and security improvements, facility envelope work and mechanical upgrades. “For this capital project we get 90¢ back on each dollar that we spend through state aid,” he said, adding the district had already saved the roughly $1.2 million local share.

Design highlights included new sidewalks and handrails, an upgraded main entrance/secure vestibule (described as more drive‑through-style visitor screening), resurfaced and ADA‑accessible playgrounds, select door replacements, and exterior masonry repointing. The district also proposed targeted HVAC work: AC for two elementary rooms, two high‑school rooms and the gym, and replacement or repair of several inoperable ventilation units.

A facilities staff member described persistent roofing problems above the gym, saying earlier installation issues and an expired warranty left the membrane and fasteners failing. “We patched and patched and patched, so that’s now in the budget,” the staff member said, explaining why roof repairs were included.

DeMally provided a high‑level schedule: finalize design work post‑vote, state review, competitive bidding in late fall, and a construction phase beginning the following January with work through the year. Line‑item examples shown in the presentation included sidewalk replacement ($72,000), additional outdoor lighting ($48,000), select door replacement ($300,000) and targeted flashing work ($20,000). District leaders directed attendees to the capital‑project page on the district website for the full breakdown.

Why it matters: The board says the work addresses long‑deferred maintenance that affects safety and learning environments, and district leaders urged voters to review detailed line items before casting ballots on May 21.