Capital Improvement & Energy Performance Projects

2024 Capital Improvement Project

In January 2024, Ogdensburg City School District residents overwhelmingly approved a $65.5 million capital project to enhance academics, arts, athletics, safety, accessibility, and infrastructure across all district schools. This project brings no increase in school taxes as it is funded largely by state aid and capital reserves.

Watch a recent WWNY 7News video about the capital project:

On Jan. 23, 2024 Ogdensburg City School District residents approved a $65.5 million capital project referendum that will advance and improve the student experience in academics, athletics, and the arts, instructional programming; health, safety, handicapped-accessibility compliance and security measures; achieve energy efficiencies and other cost-saving measures; and protect the community’s long-term investment in its school facilities. Voters approved the capital project proposal 259 votes to 47 votes.

The project will touch every school building in the district, creating new student labs for robotics, drafting, and the CREATE program at Ogdensburg Free Academy. The Golden Dome will receive a new roof and other changes that will benefit our athletics program, hockey teams, and fans. JFK Elementary will see a new domestic water system, a new roof, and new surfaces on the playground. Madill Elementary will improve its front parking lot and upgrade the stage for student performances. The capital project also allows the district to build a new transportation building.

We want to thank all of our community residents who came out to participate in the voting process today. This capital project will make it possible for us to improve and update our schools in a manner that will ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff.  We appreciate the outstanding support that the Ogdensburg community has for our school district.

– Kevin Kendall, Ogdensburg City School Superintendent

Ogdensburg will be reimbursed for 98% of the total project cost through state building aid, and is also planning to use $4 million of its capital reserve funds toward this project. The school-tax levy will not increase, which means property owners within the district will not see any additional costs in school taxes.

The next phase of the project is the final architectural design for each of the school buildings and site work plans. Improvements across the district are expected to be completed over the next 3 years. Once the project is approved by the State Education Department, which can take several months, a final construction timeline will be established. 

Ogdensburg Free Academy

The following academic spaces would be renovated and optimized for student learning:

• Robotics Classroom/Lab
• Home and Careers Classroom/Lab/Kitchen
• CREATE Program
• Drafting Room
• Wood Shop
• Metal Shop

The following athletic sites and seating areas would be renovated and/or upgraded:

• Main Gym Floor
• Bleachers
• Baseball Outfield
• Soccer Field Bleachers
• Swimming Pool

Back to top

The Golden Dome

The following elements of the Dome’s exterior and interior would be renovated and/or upgraded:

• Main Roof
• Hockey and Football Locker Rooms
• Boards Surrounding the Ice Rink
• Restrooms
• Dehumidification System
• Temperature Controls
• Plumbing System and Water Quality

Back to top

John F. Kennedy Elementary

The project would increase student safety and reduce traffic congestion on Jersey Avenue with a new drive and parking lot. Other improvements include:

• New Playground Surfaces
• Roof Replacement
• New Domestic Water System

Back to top

Grant C. Madill Elementary

The project would include a new band room with space for 50 students, acoustic paneling, and an instrument-cleaning station. Other improvements include:

• Relocating the Playground
• Improving the Front Parking Lot
• Upgrading the Stage for Student Performances

Back to top

Construction of a New Transportation Facility

As part of this project, the district would purchase land where we would build a new 7,680 square foot transportation facility. This building would include office space and technology that would help district staff more efficiently manage the transportation needs of our students. It would also serve as a hub for fueling, snow removal, maintaining the district’s school buses, and other transportation issues.

Back to top

Energy Performance Project

In addition to the Capital Improvement Project, Ogdensburg City School District is embarking on an energy performance contract that will dramatically increase energy efficiency, improve building infrastructure and save money.

This guaranteed energy project includes energy improvements such as lighting upgrades, building controls improvements and other energy saving upgrades estimated at over $4 million is entirely funded by energy and operational savings and state building aid therefore will have no cost impact to property owners and residents. This energy saving project will also have a positive environmental impact due to reduced use of electricity and fuel. Since savings and performance are guaranteed, there is no financial risk to the district for this self-funded energy project.

Back to top