Guilderland Central School District students returned to school this September to many improvements in their buildings. These improvements were budgeted for as part of the two capital projects approved by Guilderland residents in 2019 and 2021.
District-wide improvements to safety and technology
All seven of the GCSD buildings have had enhancements made to both security and technology. A number of safety improvements were installed including new phones, security cameras and LED displays. Installed in every classroom, these displays provide school administrators with the ability to broadcast messages building-wide.
Each school building has also been equipped with an enhanced lockdown security system. In the event of an emergency situation, a building administrator can secure the building, notify the Guilderland Police Department and district administration and communicate with students and staff, seamlessly, with the touch of one button. Since the same systems are used in all seven GCSD buildings, students will be familiar with safety procedures as they advance grades and move to different buildings.
Over the summer break the installation of Promethean boards began in GCSD classrooms. Promethean boards are large interactive displays that connect to a computer and project the computer display onto the surface. This instructional technology offers teachers multimedia tools to create a more engaging learning experience for students. The districtwide installation of Promethean boards is ongoing and is continuing after school hours.
Building-specific improvements
In addition to the above mentioned projects, the following work, by location, was completed:
Guilderland Elementary School
- Ceilings and lighting replaced in the 200 wing
- Boiler replaced
- Sidewalk installed
- Cafetorium and stage floor refinished
- Concrete pad for a new outdoor cooler and freezer installed
Lynnwood Elementary School
- HVAC exhaust work in the 100 wing
- Boiler replaced
- Nurses office renovated, including the addition of a ADA-compliant bathroom
Pine Bush Elementary School
- Roofing replaced
- HVAC installed in the red and blue pods
- Paving
- Boiler replaced
Westmere Elementary School
- Ceilings replaced in the 100 wing
- Plumbing infrastructure and domestic water system replaced
- Bathroom fixtures upgraded in the 100 wing
- Kitchen hot water heater upgraded
Farnsworth Middle School
- Plumbing infrastructure and domestic water system replaced
- Roofing replaced
- Sidewalks installed
- Paving and line striping
- Chiller installed
- More than 80 new HVAC units installed and associated exhaust work completed
- Flooring upgraded in 10 classrooms
Guilderland High School
- HVAC upgraded in West Gym and Library
- West Gym roof replaced
- East locker room renovated
- Five science classrooms refurbished
- Room 33 HVAC exhaust work
- Radon exhaust fans installed
Work continues
This extensive list of projects was completed over the summer due to the hard work of the GCSD facilities team, with additional improvements ongoing. Unfortunately some projects have been delayed due to global supply chain issues and uncooperative weather. After a few such delays, the replacement of the GHS track and installation of the turf field is well underway and nearing completion. Playground upgrades at the five elementary schools will begin once the equipment is delivered, weather permitting.
We appreciate the ongoing support of our community to make improvements to the learning environment in the Guilderland Central School District.