The Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) has proposed a capital improvement project plan that prioritizes facility needs district-wide, with a focus on enhancing HVAC systems to tackle aging infrastructure and implementing improved air filtration and ventilation systems in all school buildings.
Valued at $62 million, this initiative stands out because it will have 0.00% taxpayer impact. If approved by voters, state building aid would reimburse the district for 95.30% of the project cost and the remaining funds, $4.5 million, would come from the district's Capital Project Reserve Fund, covering the local share of the project.
"Our schools are the heart of our community, and investing in their infrastructure is vital for the well-being and success of our students and staff," said Superintendent Richard Ruberti. “Because of the amount of state building aid we receive and the money we have been able to save in our reserve fund, I am pleased that we would be able to make these upgrades with no financial burden on our local taxpayers.”
The proposed capital project has a range of upgrades, including revamped parking lots to improve traffic flow, updates to plumbing fixtures, and the installation of charging stations for electric buses. The stations will be necessary as the state is requiring school districts to transition to a 100% zero-emission electric school bus fleet by 2035. Electrical system enhancements are also on the agenda to ensure optimal functionality.
What's Included in the Proposal?
Projects would be carried out across the district, with each building receiving updates targeting health, safety, and infrastructure improvements. Some highlights include:
New parking lots/traffic loops for the High School, Middle School, and Marie Curie.
Concrete sidewalks connecting to exterior classroom doors for Curie and Barkley.
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades at all schools.
Fencing for the middle school bus yard.
Adaptive playgrounds accessible to students with disabilities.
Installation of electronic message signs at the high school and Tecler.
Video scoreboard at the high school.
Relocation of Tecler’s existing baseball infield and related improvements.
Replacement of existing above-ground gas/diesel fuel tanks.
Updated security and camera systems, alarms for door entrances.
More detailed information about the proposal can be found on the district website. The proposal will be included on the ballot for the annual school budget vote, which will take place from noon - 9 p.m. at the following locations; More information about the budget is also available on the website.
School Election District #1
Amsterdam High School – 140 Saratoga Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 1- District 4
Ward 2- District 3
Town of Amsterdam - District 1, 2, 4 District 3 and 4 merged it is now district 3
School Election District #2
Lynch Literacy Academy – 55 Brandt Place, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 1- District 1, 2, 3
Ward 2- District 1, 2
Ward 3- District 1, 2, 3
Ward 5- District 3
School Election District #3
Marie Curie Institute – 9 Brice Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 2- District 4
Ward 4- Districts 1, 2 - There is now only 1 district in Ward 4
Ward 5- District 1
Town of Amsterdam- District 3 district 3 and 4 merged it is now district 3
School Election District #4
Barkley Elementary – 66 DeStefano Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010
Ward 5- Districts 2, 4
Town of Florida- District 1, 2, 3 district 1,2,3 merged now just district 1
Click here to view the Capital Project Presentation.