• Enhances coursework options and learning pathways (STEAM, CTE, World Language, advanced level courses)
• Athletics, Fine & Performing Arts, Extra-Curriculars for Gr. 7-12
• Students join together earlier at Gr. 4 instead of at Gr. 6
• Universal Pre-Kindergarten program

• Grade bands are better aligned to NYS Teacher Certifications and contractual obligations
• More teachers of the same level/content in the same physical location

• Collaborative learning spaces to support the instructional program (Renovated classrooms and work spaces, STEAM, CTE, Fine Arts, ENL)
• Learning spaces to support unique learners and enhance accessibility (Special Education, OT/PT, Speech, ENL)
• Age-appropriate outdoor wellness / activity spaces
• Main campus field transformation
• Air conditioning

• Zones will better align with population density

No. The district is not closing, or selling, any schools. 

Both schools are almost 70 years old and are in need of full renovation. Given that one of the project’s goals is to maximize state aid, and factoring in the length of time it takes to complete capital improvement projects, only one of the two schools will undergo full renovation as part of this proposed project. The second school will undergo renovations with this project, but the full renovations for the second school will be completed as part of a future proposed project. 

A successful December 2024 vote will allow for the work to begin 6 months before a successful May 2025 vote would. Some of the work included in this project, specifically the Durgee addition, was planned to be included in the project approved during the 2021-2022 school year, but was scaled back. Knowing that capital projects take time, and that construction costs tend to increase over time, the Board of Education, district leadership team, and project consultants agree that a December vote could help mitigate rising costs and further delays to the project timeline.

Our current 2nd graders will have grades 3 through 5 at their current elementary schools. They will have 6th grade at Ray in September 2028. They will transition to Elden as 7th graders in September of 2029 prior to moving to Durgee for 8th grade in September 2030

Our current 1st graders will have grades 2 through 4 at their current elementary schools. They will move to 5th grade at Ray in September 2028. They will transition to Elden as 7th graders in September of 2030 prior to moving to Durgee for 8th grade in September 2031

Our current Kindergarteners will have grades 1 through 4 at their current elementary schools. They will move to 5th grade at Ray in September 2029. They will transition to Durgee Jr. High School as 7th graders in September 2031.

Our current Pre-K students will have grades 1 through 3 at their current elementary schools. They will move to Ray Intermediate School as 4th graders in September 2029 and transition to Durgee Jr. High School as 7th graders in September 2032.

The tax impact is 2.88 percent phased over six years based on the current tax base. The median home value in Baldwinsville is $250,000. A homeowner with this median home value would see a $25 increase in school tax beginning in the 2028-2029 school year, which equates to a $0.10 per thousand school tax increase.

Our community takes pride in our school district, in our facilities, in our instructional, athletic, and fine and performing arts programs and this multi-year project sets the stage for our district to continue being front-running regionally and across New York State. This proposal is a culmination of over 10 years of research, planning, and discussions around enhancing our student and staff experiences aligning to our mission, vision, and long range financial plan.  

Capital projects take time. We began discussions related to this work almost a decade ago, and we know that it will take another decade, if not a little longer, to complete. It’s important that we listen to all of the feedback we’ve received from our stakeholders relating back to the critical question “Are there grade-level, building, and instructional options that may provide more effective, relevant, and efficient programming for Baldwinsville CSD students?” The improvements being brought forth in this project help us answer that.  

These upgrades are important because they allow our district to remain competitive, attractive to home buyers and new families, as well as with surrounding schools and districts. This plan allows our district to get back on track from previous work that was scaled back, all while maximizing state aid associated with capital improvements and construction projects. This plan allows us to work toward our district’s vision and remain fiscally responsible by maximizing funding and use of our district’s reserves.

Our current 2nd graders will have grades 3 through 5 at their current elementary schools. They will have 6th grade at Ray in September 2028. They will transition to Elden as 7th graders in September of 2029 prior to moving to Durgee for 8th grade in September 2030.

Our current 1st graders will have grades 2 through 4 at their current elementary schools. They will move to 5th grade at Ray in September 2028. They will transition to Elden as 7th graders in September of 2030 prior to moving to Durgee for 8th grade in September 2031.

Our current Kindergarteners will have grades 1 through 4 at their current elementary schools. They will move to 5th grade at Ray in September 2029. They will transition to Durgee Jr. High School as 7th graders in September 2031.

Our current Pre-K students will have Kindergarten through grade 3 at their current elementary schools. They will move to Ray Intermediate School as 4th graders in September 2029 and transition to Durgee Jr. High School as 7th graders in September 2032.

With a successful vote, we look forward to continuing to have conversations with district stakeholders about what the new elementary (PK-3) and intermediate (Gr 4-6) days might look like. The grade level reconfiguration allows opportunities to explore master schedule options, school start and end times, and how teachers can departmentalize as students move into the intermediate grades.

This is an area that will be further explored in the future, with feedback from stakeholders. 

Staffing levels will not decrease due to this project. Staffing will shift to align with the grade level reconfiguration and updated attendance zones.

Reports from leading experts including CenterState CEO, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, and the Office of the Onondaga County Executive indicate our Central New York economy will see substantial growth, including jobs, over the next several years. Micron's investment alone is expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs in New York over 20 years, with 70% of those jobs in Central New York. This includes 9,000 direct Micron jobs, 4,500 construction jobs, and 40,000 indirect jobs. The Baldwinsville Community is an attractive place with land opportunities for housing development. The population of Onondaga County is projected to increase by 25% over the next 20 years. If that projection holds true, our district could see a student population increase of approximately 1,351 students if that same projection is applied to our district’s enrollment. The growth will create a surge in demand for housing. Central New York will need to build 2,000 to 2,500 housing units a year for the next 15 years to meet expected demand. This would result in 30,000 to 37,500 new housing units. Assuming that at least half of the housing units include providing shelter for children who attend public schools, Central New York will see an increase of 15,000 to 18,750 students.

The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is a top priority. Upgrades to our infrastructure will be made throughout the project to address these areas using modern systems and technologies.

The Board of Education and district leadership will be forced to rethink the long term infrastructure plan and strategic initiatives designed to better meet the learning needs of our students. The Board of Education could modify the proposition by reducing or adjusting the scope of work and ask voters to consider alternative options by way of another public vote. Any adjustment to the proposed multi year capital improvement plan will delay components of the project that are tied to routine maintenance and building condition items that are essential and a part of our long term planning. 

Only 16 percent of the project costs are for new construction. The majority of the project costs - 84 percent - are for replacing and renovating existing spaces. The project includes routine maintenance to our buildings and grounds (window and roof replacements, turf replacement), and infrastructure improvements (technology upgrades, structural replacement). Over the last ten years our district has completed over $161 Million in capital improvements and construction all supported by our community. This $242 Million multi-year proposal allows us to do the same, however with a well articulated plan, as opposed to stand-alone projects and proposals

The benefit for taxpayers will be threefold:

• First more than half of the project costs support standard building maintenance and improvements as part of our building conditions survey. 
• Secondly, moving forward with a project that encompasses a multi-year plan allows the district and taxpayers to maximize building aid, plan for the future with our architects, construction management firm, and legal team, as well as prepare for stability within our general fund budget as we have debt coming off the books from prior projects. 
• Thirdly, allocating funding to address building and facility needs is important – well maintained spaces and preventative care now, as opposed to later help to keep long term costs in check which benefits our entire school community.

School districts throughout New York are required by law not to exceed the proposition amounts approved by voters. Construction escalation is factored into the project budget and as phases are bid out and constructed, scope and bid acceptance decisions are made accordingly.

Learning / Information Sessions are scheduled this fall at each elementary school. Keep an eye out for information from your elementary principal about when Dr. DeBarbieri plans to visit. The final Learning / Information Session open to the public is scheduled for December 2nd from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Transportation Center

A Community Cafe has been scheduled for November 20th on the topic. The Community Cafe will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the C.W. Baker High School cafeteria.

Students who are part of the Baker News crew have created a video series about this project. A new video will launch each week, beginning Friday, October 25th

A Special Edition of The Hive Newsletter will be mailed to all district residents in the first week of November.