Superintendent: capital projects closed, freezer and cafeteria work planned; district reports 90% graduation rate

Superintendent Burmaster told the HOOSIC VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT board that the district has closed out bills on a recent capital project and is working with financial advisers to secure long‑term bonding. He said two capital outlay projects are in the near term: replacing a walk‑in freezer (a bid opening occurred a week earlier and the item was on the evening’s agenda) and repairing cafeteria flooring whose subfloor condition will require concrete remediation before tile can be reinstalled.

Burmaster said the flooring contractor schedule may shift: contractors will likely rip out old tile, pour concrete to seal and stabilize the subfloor, and leave a concrete surface for the remainder of the school year; the tile installation would occur over the summer. The freezer replacement bid was reviewed by architects and proposed to proceed in the summer if the board approves the agenda item.

On academic outcomes, Burmaster reported a district graduation rate of 90% for the year compared with a New York State rate of 85%. He noted persistent subgroup gaps—students with special needs and economically disadvantaged students have lower graduation rates—and emphasized district supports (special education, counseling and transition work) to help students who do not graduate earn employability and post‑school options.

Next steps: The freezer replacement was on the board agenda for approval; staff will proceed with contract award and project scheduling once the board acts. The superintendent said long‑term financing steps must complete before finalizing bond rates.