Building Project History

On March 7, 2019, Mr. Pomerville, Superintendent, presented to the Board of Education a proposal for an new capital construction project.  
On May 21, 2019 a straw poll was conducted to gauge community support for proposed projects.  
Phase 2 Capital Project.pdf
Straw Poll 2019.xlsx
________________________________________________________________________
Construction of a new canopy over the auditorium entrance will just about spend down the capital construction funds approved by the voters in 2012.  
_____________________________________________________________________________
The District has addressed upgrades and improvements in smaller projects of no more than $100,000 for each school year from existing district funds per NYS Education Department regulations.
_____________________________________________________________________________
In the spring of 2018 work began on renovations to the auditorium lobby and entrance.  Renovation are in progress for classrooms and offices in the high school music wing.  Classrooms in the grades 5-6 wing will also be renovated.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Funds were available form the original project approved in 2012.  Work began on renovations to the grades 4-5 wing in the spring of 2017.
_____________________________________________________________________________
In the fall of 2016, the stairs leading to the auditorium entrance were replaced. BCA Architects designed the project and Hoosick Valley Construction competed the work.
_____________________________________________________________________________

On December 3, 2015, Mr. Patrick Pomerville, Superintendent of Schools, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to showcase the new entrance, security office and renovated elementary classrooms. Faculty, staff, local town and village officials along with representatives from BCA Architects and Engineers, JC Structures, Dow Electric, Alltek Energy Systems and Crisafulli Brothers were invited to attend.


In December 2014, bids were accepted for the both phases of the above project. Architects representing the district from Bernier, Carr and Associates, announced favorable results and contracts were awarded. Work should begin on the entranceway re-design/canopy and gymnasium lighting in April 2015; and interior reconstruction and window replacement in October 2015. The anticipated final completion date should be November 2015.

During the project, fire alarm electrical deficiencies were notice and a project to replace the fire alarm was approved.


On December 12, 2012 voters approved a $9.6 million capital project.

In June 2014, bids were accepted from contractors for work associated with the capital project's first phase, which included the complete renovation of the front entrance to the building and the addition of disability lifts in the main corridor of the school. A combination of factors led to higher bids than expected for this first phase of the project, which was to have begun in the summer of 2013. The second phase - which will include significant classroom renovation, window replacement, electrical work, and installation of an emergency backup generator - was scheduled to kick off next summer. At a meeting with the Board of Education, architects who are designing the renovations spoke with the Board about options for proceeding with the project plan.

In what is believed will be a method to optimize funding for the construction, the entire project will be re-bid this fall as one project or "phase", with a target start date of April 2015 and a target completion date of September 2015. Since the second phase was originally scheduled for summer 2015, the change amounts only to a shift of about eight months for beginning the first part of the project. Following the original plan for completion of the project would likely have meant higher pricing and costs.

The Waterford-Halfmoon School District is grateful to its residents for their continued support of building initiatives, and we are sure that the "finished product" will be one of which we can all be Fordian Proud!


In August 2008 voters approved additional funds to complete the HVAC infrastructure upgrade project that voters originally approved May 3, 2007 and to install air conditioning in the auditorium.


In May 2007 voters approved a project to replace the heating unit ventilators and the balance of the ceiling replacement project. The district received State Ed approval and work began June 30, 2008 on the first phase of this project.


L.G. White & Sons has been awarded the contract for the High School 2nd floor ceiling reconstruction project. Construction on this project began on January 21, 2008 and it will continue through March with most of the work taking place on week-ends, February break and after 3:30 when school is in session.


The new wing opened in September 2007 connecting the lower high school hallway with the elementary wing. Five new state of the art science labs, a multi-purpose room and four additional classrooms serve Middle Schools students for math and English and HS and Middle School students for science classes. The new multi-purpose room and courtyard is for the use of all K - 12 students.

Offices were re-designed and a new front office was designed for visitors to register and find out information.


In the summer of 2006 old boilers were removed and a new heating system was installed. A new phone system was installed. Work also began in the auditorium: the seats were refurbished; walls were painted; carpeting was installed; stage floor was sanded and refinished; new stage rigging and curtains were installed; new lockers for instruments were delivered; and new lighting and sound equipment were installed. Other projects included the installation of a new roofing system over the entire building. There are new student and faculty bathrooms in the high school. Those rooms were gutted and fitted with all new plumbing, electrical and mechanical fixtures. Asbestos abatement issues were addressed.


On January 10, 2006, bids were opened for another phase of construction. The district's architectural firm, DCLW, Associates, reviewed all documentation and the district awarded contracts at the January 19, 2006 Board of Education meeting. Work began on the public address and telephone system. Construction began in the spring of 2006. Work on the old science classrooms and other renovations began after the completion of the new wing, in the summer of 2007.


On May 17, 2005 voters approved replacement of the high school gymnasium bleachers at a cost not to exceed $100,000. On November 3, 2005 work began to disassemble the existing bleachers. The new bleachers were installed and were fully operational for the remainder of our 2005-06 basketball season.

__________________________________________________________________________

In the fall of 2004, work began on the bus garage and soccer field. The bus garage is built into the side of the hill near the soccer field, to the left of the auditorium wing. Construction to the soccer field, located directly opposite Clemente Lane, has been completed and seeded.

Substantial improvements have been made to the school's baseball and softball fields in the spring and summer of 2005.

___________________________________________________________________________

In March of 2004 voters approved a construction project for $12,700,000. This project included: replacement of boilers, piping and temperature controls; replacement of roofing; replacement of the public address and telephone systems; reconstruction of room #206 (including asbestos abatement); auditorium upgrade; high school restroom upgrade; electrical and computer drops throughout the building; four regular education classroom additions; faculty workroom/office space, restrooms and custodial storage additions, new high school science classrooms; re-key the existing building; construction of a large instructional area; security system access control and cameras and new greeter area at main entrance; locker replacement and renovations in the high school; bus garage; roadway and parking for 50 spaces; baseball and softball field improvements; reconstruction of room #10 into a new main office for K-4; backboards in the elementary gym; renovations to the cafeteria and kitchen ventilation system; computer lab and stairs, ramps and corridor extension.




An elevator allowing access to the second floor of the high school was completed in November 2004 at a cost of $300,000 and brought the district into compliance with American Disabilities Act requirements.


In October 1999 district voters approved a $1,932,000 building renovation and reconstruction project to address the following issues: Electrical wiring upgrade and reconstruction; lighting reconstruction and replacement; media center expansion and reconstruction; parking lot reconstruction and sidewalk replacement; handicap ramp to auditorium lobby; repair and upgrade of high school soccer field and construction of a new bus garage.

In June of 2000 voters again approved a $1,680,000 for the demolition and removal of the old trailers and the construction of six new classrooms in the elementary wing.

These two projects were combined into one and work began in June 2002. In April of 2003 students and teachers moved into modern and efficient classrooms and a spacious new K - 12 media center.