Capital Project Referendum Passed
Capital Project Newsletter
View a digital copy of the district’s Hornell Capital Project Newsletter
Project Overview
In 2018, the Board of Education and district administration began working with its Facilities Committee, community members and a team of architects to assess our facilities and establish a master plan of work which will, in the end, support our students and be a source of pride for the community.
The district is pleased the proposed Phase 1 of a three phase facilities master plan was approved by the community on December 20, 2022. Phase 1 of this plan will improve district educational spaces and athletic facilities and will not exceed $32,040,000.
Through careful planning, tax increases will not be required to fund the project.
Phase 1 Scope
North Hornell
In the spring of 2022, the North Hornell Elementary School finished the construction of a four-classroom addition. Additionally, corridors were updated with new floors and walls.
Proposed changes at North Hornell Hornell Elementary School include:
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- The replacement a 20-year-old roof, which is failing and past warranty
- The replacement of the bus loop entrance and entryway canopy
Intermediate School
Built in 1922, the Intermediate School is the oldest building in the district. Currently it houses grades 2-6 and the district’s aquatics center.
Proposed changes at the Intermediate School include:
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- Reconstruction of Existing Classrooms
- Two-Story Classroom Wing Addition
- Reconstruction of the Main Office
- Reconstruction of the Nurse’s Office
- New Playground
- Updates to Mechanical and Electrical Equipment
The proposed plan seeks to equal-size the classrooms, as many of the classrooms in the building vary in size.
In order to maintain the current number of classrooms in the building, the existing classroom wing will be replaced with a two story addition. This new wing will house the second and third grade classrooms and include additional exits from the building.
The proposed plan will also make additional updates to the Main Office and Health Office.
A new playground will also be constructed to be more inclusive of the age range within the building.
In future projects, the district plans to address the gymnasium as well as improve classroom space for instrumental and vocal music.
Hornell High School
In this phase, the Junior High wing at the High School will receive necessary updates, including classrooms, hallways, security and technology. Student bathrooms throughout the building will also be reconstructed to better serve the student body.
Proposed changes at Hornell High School include:
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- Reconstruction of Student Bathrooms
- Updates to Grades 7 and 8 Classrooms
- Modernize the Corridors and Add Modern Lighting
Athletic Facilities
The Athletic Facilities located at the High School are not only used by our students for various athletic competitions and other events such as graduation; they are also used by the community for events such as Youth Football and Drum & Bugle Corp. competitions just to name a few.
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- Replacement of Turf
- Reconstruction of Tennis Courts
Turf fields provide safety features that can help prevent injury for our student-athletes. Replacing the turf will keep the Hornell CSD on the cutting edge of modern turf technology standards.
Our tennis courts have also been inaccessible for use since they were condemned for safety concerns back in 2021. The projected renovations will provide tennis courts open for community use and competition.
In future projects, the district plans to renovate the B Gym and create a larger competition gymnasium with elevated walking track as well as update choir and technology spaces.
Board Presentation
On December 7, 2022, was a Capital Project Town Hall in the Intermediate School cafeteria. Superintendent Jeremy Palotti gave a presentation and took questions. Capital Project Town Hall presentation
Local News Coverage
- Hornell City School District $32 million capital project approved. What comes next
The Evening Tribune – Dec. 21, 2022 - Hornell residents pass $32 million capital project referendum
Hornellsun.com – Dec. 20, 2022 - $32 million dollar capital project planned for Hornell City School District
Fingerlakes1.com – Nov. 15, 2022 - Hornell City School District plans $32M capital project. What to know before you vote.
The Evening Tribune – Nov. 14, 2022 - Hornell school guided by 2 studies as it moves forward.
The Evening Tribune – February 4, 2020
FAQ
Q: What is a capital project?
Just like a home, school facilities need regular attention and upkeep to continue to operate year after year as originally intended. The New York State Department of Education requires school districts to inspect its property regularly and maintain a five-year capital improvement plan. Capital improvement projects are a way for school districts to complete more substantial facilities work, including upgrades, renovations and replacements as compared to regular maintenance.
Q: How are items in the project determined?
New York school districts are required to conduct regular building condition surveys and to develop multi-year facilities plans, which can help identify aging, outdated or energy inefficient school infrastructure and facilities issues related to health and wellness.
Q: Who can vote on the proposed project?
Qualified voters must be age 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Q: How do I register?
If you are registered to vote for the general election through the county, you are also registered for school votes.
If you are not a registered voter for the general election through the county, you may register specifically with the Hornell City School District, for school votes only, by coming into the district office on the registration day December 2, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. If you have questions contact the district clerk by phone at (607) 324-1302, ext. 1450.
Q: Can I vote by absentee ballot?
To receive an absentee ballot by mail, voters must submit the required application to the district clerk by December 13, 2022. Applications can be requested by contacting the district clerk or obtained in person at the district office. Voters who choose to pick up the application at the district office have until one day before the election to submit it in person to the district clerk. Pursuant to election law, persons designated by the Steuben County Board of Elections as “permanently disabled” will automatically receive an absentee ballot. All absentee ballots must be returned to the district clerk by 5 p.m. on the day of the vote, December 20, 2022. The district office is located at 120 Raider Road, Hornell, NY.