NTCSD Capital Project Update

The District’s 2024 Capital Improvement Project has recently completed a major period of construction. Since the District’s last capital project update in July, Phase 1B construction has progressed at each campus throughout the district. In addition, bid documents for the final phase of the project have been prepared, allowing the District to solicit competitive bids from local contractors.

The goal of this Smore newsletter, along with future editions, is to keep the NTCSD community and staff informed about the exciting capital improvement work taking place throughout the district while providing updates and insights into future projects as they develop.

Phase 1A construction has concluded and all final costs reports have been submitted to the State Education Department before the start of the new calendar year. This will ensure that the district receives accelerated state Building Aid payments in the 2026-2027 school year.

Capital Project Phase 1B Construction Update: Work Underway

Since the last Smore update in July, the District has completed significant portions of the project at various locations throughout the district. Work that was completed for Phase 1B included:

Drake - Completion of the remaining roof replacement, exterior stair restoration.

Ohio - Replacement of classroom filtered sinks and cabinetry in all instructional spaces, installation of a new exterior LED sign, and cafetorium electrical upgrades.

Spruce - Energy-efficient window replacement throughout the school, sidewalk replacement.

NTI - Cafetorium electrical upgrades, main office HVAC upgrades, and installation of a new exterior LED sign.

NTHS - Construction of a secure main office vestibule, replacement of the pool heater, and installation of a new exterior LED sign.

Transportation Center - Interior renovations and blacktop replacement.

Several significant Phase 1B projects remain and will continue over the next 12 months. The District and its project partners will continue to coordinate the construction schedule with building administrators and staff to minimize disruptions to students and instructional activities. Remaining Phase 1B scope includes:

Drake - Replacement of classroom filtered sinks and cabinetry in all instructional spaces, installation of a new exterior LED sign, and cafetorium electrical upgrades.

Spruce - Auditorium renovations, replacement of classroom filtered sinks and cabinetry in all instructional spaces, installation of a new exterior LED sign, and cafetorium electrical upgrades.

NTI - Various electrical upgrades.

Capital Project Construction Update: Designs Submitted

Phase 2 will undoubtedly be the most complex portion of the capital project as it primarily focuses on classroom redesign at the high school and energy-efficient window replacement at NTMS. The architects and construction managers have prepared bid documents for contractors to competitively bid on work with awards anticipated to be accepted at the December Board of Education meeting. Phase 2 construction is anticipated to begin during the early spring of 2027. Specifically, this part of the project will likely include:

- Energy-efficient mechanical and HVAC upgrades at the middle school and high school.

- Art, business, FACS, music and science room renovations at the high school.

At the District's annual budget vote, community residents overwhelmingly approved a $59.9 million tax-neutral Capital Improvement Project. Construction will occur in three phases with Phase 1 anticipated to begin in the spring of 2028.

The scope of work within Phase 1 includes:

Elementary

K-3 Art, Music, and PE instructional space renovations

K-3 Kitchen redesign and cafeteria AC installation

K-3 Interior classroom door replacement and security camera enhancements

Sidewalk repair at Drake and Ohio Elementary

A fully inclusive playground at Ohio Elementary in partnership with Mason's Mission along with a dedicated second bus loop for enhanced student safety.

Secondary

Remaining 3rd floor math classroom and bathroom renovations at NTHS.

Boiler replacements in the pool area and science wing of NTHS.

Backup generator replacement at NTMS and NTHS.

Each year, pending voter approval of the school budget, the District is permitted by law to complete a $100,000 Capital Outlay Project. These projects are the “express lane” version of capital improvements allowing the District to complete targeted facility upgrades efficiently in one calendar year, without the time and scale required for larger, multi-year capital projects. These targeted improvement projects help ensure District facilities continue to be safe, functional, and well maintained.

In 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, Capital Outlay Projects included select door replacements at NTMS and NTHS, enhancing both safety and functionality.

The 2025–2026 Capital Outlay Project focused on the installation of playground fencing at the K–3 elementary schools to improve safety while providing community access during non-school hours.

The 2026–2027 Capital Outlay Project is primarily focused on playground expansion at Drake Elementary. Bids for this project are expected to be presented to the Board of Education at the December meeting.

While the purpose of the Smore newsletter series has focused on the District's Capital Improvement Project, several other significant initiatives were recently completed over the summer recess periods. Enhancements included:

- Conversion of the former BOCES NTLC space at NTI into the District's new UPK Center. This resulted in student capacity for the program expanding from 108 students to 170 students.

- Painting of the second floor instructional classrooms at NTHS, the special education rooms at Ohio Elementary School, as well as the new UPK Center at NTI.

- Expanded Wi-Fi coverage in gymnasiums and cafeterias throughout the District.

- A comprehensive upgrade of the District's Wi-Fi infrastructure in all instructional buildings and classrooms.