Construction began this summer across the district, with significant progress in the CREATE classroom and the Edgar A. Newell, II Memorial Golden Dome. Ground was broken on July 24 for the district’s new transportation facility located at 5952 State Highway 812. All of the concrete footings and foundation walls have been poured, and the work there is ongoing, with construction of the building expected to begin in Nov. 2025.
Within Ogdensburg Free Academy, demolition is complete, with new piping installed, and ductwork and wiring underway in the CREATE classroom (a hands-on learning space for students with disabilities). The skylight has also been removed, and construction of new walls and doorways is ongoing.
At the Dome, new water and gas lines have been installed throughout the facility, and new water heaters are expected to be operational by the middle of September. New sewage ejector pumps have also been installed. Demolition of the storage rooms and press box at the west end of the Dome has been completed, making room for the construction of new multi-stall bathrooms. The toilet room walls and roof are currently being built, and underground plumbing and conduit have been installed. When finished, new locker rooms and handicapped accessible bathrooms will provide a safer, more accommodating space for all who use the Dome.
Around the exterior perimeter of the Dome, the stone fascia along the roof gutters has been removed in preparation for the installation of new fiber cement panels. Concrete repairs at the abutments around the Dome have begun. The roof, windows, and doors of the south stair tower have been removed, and reconstruction is underway. A new dehumidification unit has been placed onsite and will be brought into service prior to completion of the work in the Dome.
The work is a part of the referendum approved by voters on Jan. 23, 2024. The $65.5 million capital project is tax neutral for property owners and residents of the City of Ogdensburg. The district’s use of up to $4 million from capital reserves and $360,000 from EXCEL aid (Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning) covers a significant amount of the cost. The project’s aid reimbursement ratio is 98%.
Upcoming work on the project entails proposed updates to every school building in the district and includes creating new student labs for robotics and drafting, mechanical system upgrades, gym renovations, and partial roof replacement at Ogdensburg Free Academy. Proposed work at JFK Elementary also includes partial roof replacement, as well as a new domestic water system and new playground surfaces. Improvements at Madill Elementary include front parking lot reconstruction, relocation of the playground, and proposed upgrades to the kitchen and band room.
Project sign at the location of the new transportation facility at 5952 State Highway 812.
New bathrooms at the Dome.
CREATE space under renovation- looking east
CREATE space under renovation- looking west