Frequently Asked Questions

The total combined cost is $39.8 million, split into two propositions: Proposition 1 (K-12 School improvements) at $24.8M and Proposition 2 (New Bus Garage & Traffic Upgrades) at $15M.

The local share is approximately $12.8 million. New York State will provide approximately $27 million in building aid (76% aid ratio), significantly reducing the local burden.

The project is divided into two propositions to allow voters to approve them separately. Proposition 1 focuses on K-12 school building improvements, while Proposition 2 addresses the bus garage and site improvements. Both are eligible for state building aid.

"Aidable" refers to expenses that qualify for New York State Building Aid reimbursement. Proposition 1 is 91% aidable and Proposition 2 is 86% aidable, meaning most of the project costs will receive state funding support.

The public referendum is scheduled for December 2025.

Major improvements include: auditorium renovation with new lighting, rigging, sound system and air conditioning; complete kitchen renovation with new equipment; safety and security system upgrades including IP-based emergency systems and building access control; facade replacement at elementary wings; cafeteria updates; gymnasium improvements; primary wing classroom updates; and athletic field improvements.

The auditorium requires updates to stage and house lighting, rigging, stage sound system, and assistive listening technology. Additionally, air conditioning will be added to improve comfort during events. The existing seating will be preserved.

The project includes replacing the public address (PA) system with an IP-based emergency system featuring blue light notification and building access control lockdown capabilities. The entrance lobby will receive security upgrades including a fixed reception window and parcel transfer box. The fire alarm system replacement will also continue.

The cafeteria will receive a complete renovation including redesign of the glass "greenhouse" structure, removal of the stage, and updated interior finishes, acoustics and seating. The kitchen will be completely renovated with all new equipment to meet modern food service standards.

Yes. The primary wing will receive new corridor lockers, classroom flooring, replacement of 1950s-era casework, and updated toilet room finishes and fixtures. The 3rd-5th grade classroom wing will get new unit ventilators and casework.

The main stadium will receive LED field lighting upgrades. Athletic field surface improvements. The main gymnasium will have glass block windows replaced and the floor refinished. The elementary gym will receive new bleachers, basketball hoops, control system, and a retractable batting cage.

Yes, the project addresses door entrance accessibility issues throughout the building, including the maintenance and agriculture areas.

The bus loop pavement and entrance drive to the loading dock area will be reconstructed. Additional modifications are included in Proposition 2 as part of larger traffic and safety reconfigurations.

According to our most recent Building Conditions Survey, the current bus garage is outdated and needs replacement. The new facility will be built at the east edge of the parking lot and will include modern maintenance bays, improved workspace, and additional amenities for stadium use including toilet and concession spaces.

The new 120' x 60' facility will include bus maintenance bays, a bus wash bay, parts and supplies storage, office space, break room, training room, mechanical/electrical room, lockers, and public toilet/concession facilities for stadium events.

Parking lots on the east and west sides of the current bus garage location will be reconstructed with new site lighting. Two existing storage sheds will be demolished and replaced with a new cold storage pole barn with electric and lighting, including an adjacent canopy over outdoor bus parking. The student drop-off loop will be improved with 16 drop-off spaces and visitor/HC parking.

Two underground fuel tanks (heating oil and diesel) will be removed, and a new relocated bus fueling area with an underground tank will be provided in a safer, more accessible location.

Yes, the project includes reconstruction of parking areas with 140 car parking spaces (145 existing), 15 car parking spaces for student drop-off area, and improved site lighting throughout.

SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) is a New York State law that requires environmental review of proposed projects. The Environmental Assessment Form has been sent to all interested agencies for review and has been approved.

Tentative timeline; 2026 - Design Phase, 2027-2029 - Construction Phase.

Most work will likely be scheduled during summer breaks and school vacations when possible, with careful planning to minimize disruption to educational programs when school is in session.

The MCA is the maximum amount per square foot that New York State will reimburse for building aid on certain types of projects. Proposition 1 maximizes the MCA eligibility, while Proposition 2 has no MCA cap.

New York State uses a formula based on the district's property wealth and income wealth to determine the building aid percentage. Hamilton CSD qualifies for a 76% reimbursement rate, which is favorable and reduces the local tax burden significantly.

Each proposition is voted on separately. The passing of proposition 2 is contingent upon the passing of proposition 1. Proposition 2 cannot proceed without voter approval of proposition 1.

Yes. See chart below as an example.

Additional information will be available on the district website, at public information sessions, and from the district's business office. The Board of Education meetings are also open to the public.

The district may organize facility tours before the vote. Contact the district office to inquire about scheduled tours or to arrange a visit.

The project was designed by king+king architects.

Contact Hamilton Central School District or attend upcoming Board of Education meetings and public information sessions.

Please call Jodi Shantal at 315-824-6310 for details on obtaining an absentee ballot.