BCSD Capital Project Information and Updates

Berlin Central School District’s September 2, 2022 Capital Project Vote Results

Proposition # 1

Yes-100
No-205

Proposition # 2
Yes-90
No-213

The Berlin Central School District community votes not to approve passage of proposition #1 and proposition #2.

Berlin CSD would like to thank everyone in our community who came out to vote today.

BCSD Announces Capital Project Community Forum

BCSD will hold a Capital Project Community Forum at the BMHS Library on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 6:30 PM to discuss the two propositions up for a vote on September 2, 2022.

Capital Project Vote

Friday, September 2, 2022 12 – 9 p.m.

Berlin Elementary School Gymnasium

Capital Project Proposal Targets Outdated Heating Systems and Enhances Outdoor Learning Opportunities at No Tax Impact to Taxpayers

Information for Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballot & Instructions

Dear Berlin Community,

In an effort to better communicate details about the project and address questions that have come up, we have created the FAQ document below. Our hope is that it addresses your questions. But, please do not hesitate to reach out with additional questions as they arise. Thank you for being an engaged community.

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Capital Project Update Summer Progress 2022

FINALIZED PROJECT PHOTOS COMING SOON!!!

Capital Project work continues throughout the summer months at both Berlin Elementary School and Berlin Middle High School. This is a continuation of the multi-year project that was approved by Berlin voters in December 2019.

At Berlin Elementary School the exterior double doors will be replaced near the cafeteria. The front steps will be replaced and additional handrails will be added. There will also be landscaping work done in front of the building.

A majority of the work this summer has been taking place at the Middle High School. The main office has been gutted and will be completely renovated. Science classrooms 125, 126, and 127 will also see major updates with floor trenching, installing and replacing of electrical and plumbing, unit ventilators, countertops, and flooring.

In the cafeteria kitchen new walk-in coolers/freezers, dishwasher, and durable flooring will be installed. Along with trenching work for new plumbing.

New framing and doors have been installed at staff bathrooms 88-89. New windowsills in classrooms 110, 112, the business office 119, and the faculty room B120A are also being installed. Window caulk asbestos removal from classrooms 113-115, 118B and 118C has been completed, and windows in classrooms 107-118C are being replaced. Wall graphics and raised lettering will be displayed in the hallways.

Outside of the middle high school new sidewalks will be installed in front of the district office where trailers were previously parked. Exterior doors at the gym, shop, classroom 111A, and the main entry will be replaced. The exterior insulation and finishing system will be recoated.

New drainage will be installed at the bus loop in front of the middle senior high school for stormwater pollution prevention.

Maintenance upgrades include subgrade/grading of the west section of the parking area, inlet channel to detention pond, adding guardrail at the interior gas line in the northwest corner of the maintenance building, and additional power pedestals for buses.

Safety Initiatives

The district is looking forward to implementing new safety initiatives for the 2022-23 school year. Our top priority for the Berlin Central School District is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. With that in mind we are excited to announce new security upgrades to the district.

Safety Resource Officer– Deputy Austin McGuire from the Rensselaer County Sheriff Department will be our SRO. He has already visited the district and met with some admin and staff members. His office will be in BMHS but will also have a presence at BES.
Security Cameras – They are almost completely installed in both buildings and will be operational in both buildings before the start of the school year.
Raptor Visitor Identification System – This will be in place at the start of school. Every visitor to our buildings will have to scan in their Driver’s ID (or other identification) and will be given a name badge indicating the exact location they are supposed to travel to.
Electronic Access Control (for exterior doors) – the hardware and panels for the doors are being installed. All exterior doors without access control will be blanked (keyhole removed). There will be a key fob at the beginning of the school year for each staff member to enter a building. Later in the Fall we may transition to a card system depending on how soon we can program the chips in the card.
Radios – We have ordered 41 brand new radios for both buildings combined and these should arrive in Fall. Each staff member going outside the buildings with students will carry a radio with them.

Capital Project Update February 16, 2022

On December 11, 2019 the residents of the Berlin Central School District approved, by a vote of 115-64, a proposition to authorize up to an additional $7 million for repairs and reconstruction at Berlin Elementary School, Berlin MS/HS, and the transportation and maintenance facilities. This proposition will have NO tax impact on the school taxes.

“The District continues its commitment to improve the instructional spaces, infrastructures, and buildings at a very cost-effective approach for the taxpayers of the District,” said Superintendent Dr. Young.

Berlin BOE Commitment to Students – The Board of Education has worked diligently with school administrators, staff, and architects to identify additional improvements to the buildings not covered in the ongoing capital project. These improvements include several components of common spaces, classrooms, utilities work, enhanced safety equipment, and a minor amount of site work.

Capital Project Summary – Approximately $1.4 million of the proposed project will continue improvements at Berlin Elementary School, $2.75 million will be at the MS/HS, $750,000 will be earmarked for the transportation site, and $400,000 for a renovation to the former bus garage. The former garage will now become the central hub for all maintenance and custodial operations, including the storage of supplies, equipment, and vehicles. Some of the specific upgrades at each location include:

BES RENOVATIONS

Secure locksets in all classrooms
Security cameras
Security door access controls at all perimeter doors
Replace front walkway, entry, and accessibility
Bus lane and playground safety access improvements
Ceiling and light work
Bleacher replacement
Classroom flooring replacement and abatement
Repair roof leak at cupola

MS/HS RENOVATIONS

Security cameras
Security door access controls at all perimeter doors
Cafeteria door additions (for lockdown/security)
All lockers to be replaced and associated hall work at MS and HS
1960 and 1974 window replacement
Exterior entrance door and glazing replacement
Exterior repairs to building walls
Renovations to MS classrooms
Additional science room renovations
Main Office, District Office renovations
MS bathrooms renovated
Limited floor replacement (entrance/kitchen)
Gymnasium bleacher replacement
Fuel storage system replacement
Curbing and sidewalk repair
Parking lot pavement (partial)

TRANSPORTATION RENOVATIONS

Addition of wash bay
Exterior concrete bus pad
Grading and gravel work
Power site pedestals for buses
Mobile column lifts
In-ground lift
10,000lb two-post lift

MAINTENANCE RENOVATIONS

All prior work planned but removed from previous capital project
Recoat existing metal roof
Recoat existing metal wall panels
Remove existing systems and connect sanitary line to new septic system

FAQ’s

Learn more about the Capital Project

If community members have additional questions about the Capital Project, they are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing on December 5th at the MS/HS at 7:15 pm.

Voting

Voting will take place at the Berlin Elementary School on Wednesday, December 11, 53 School Street, Berlin from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2019 Capital Project Newsletter