Capital Project

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Dec. 20 Capital Project vote

Proposed project includes new competition gymnasium, roofing work and security enhancements

 

On October 23 the Board of Education unanimously adopted a capital project referendum to be proposed to residents on December 20. The project is largely focused on the construction of a new competition gymnasium at Hornell High School, including a new student fitness center and an elevated community-accessible walking track. Security enhancements at each of our buildings are also an important part of the project. 

The current outdated gymnasium no longer meets the needs of our students and community. The increased seating capacity of the new gymnasium will allow Hornell to host sectional competitions for the first time and hold school-wide assemblies and other large community events in the gymnasium. The new elevated walking path will provide community members with a space to exercise indoors.

This project will have no impact to taxpayers and will be funded by a combination of state building aid and the district’s capital reserves.

Construction of a new competition gym is part of Phase 2 of the district’s 10-year comprehensive facilities improvement plan. The planned improvements are a continuation of the district’s efforts to provide updated, modern spaces that support student learning and success. 

“With Phase 1 of our long-range facilities plan underway, our focus shifts towards Phase 2 and the construction of a new competition gymnasium. This project represents our commitment to creating modern, safe, and inclusive spaces where excellence can thrive,” said Superintendent Jeremy Palotti. “A new competition gymnasium will ensure we can support the growth and development of our student-athletes and bring the Hornell community together under one roof for decades to come.”

Project at-a-glance

  • Capital Project total cost: $30,215,000
  • Use of capital reserves: $12,075,000
  • No tax rate increase as a result of the project

What is being proposed?

  • Construction of a new competition gymnasium at Hornell High School, including a community-accessible elevated walking track and student fitness center
  • Security enhancements at each of our school buildings 
  • Roofing work at the High School

Vote Information

Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Noon to 9 p.m. at Hornell High School
134 Seneca Road,
Hornell, NY 14843

Join us at the upcoming Capital Project Community Forum

Wednesday, December 6 at 5 p.m. at Hornell High School
134 Seneca Road,
Hornell, NY 14843

 

Hornell HS Proposed Gym Exterior
Track 1 & logo
Gymnasium 4 Logo
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Long-range plan

The district’s long-range facilities plan is a 10-year roadmap to making needed improvements and enhancements to school buildings and district facilities in a fiscally prudent manner. The plan was developed through close consultation with faculty, staff, community members and district leadership. 

Improvements focus on meeting student needs through renovations of classrooms, updating building infrastructure and addressing safety. 

Phase 1 of the long-range plan was approved by voters in December 2022 and includes classroom renovations (Intermediate School and High School), a two-story classroom addition (Intermediate School), roof replacements (North Hornell Elementary), installation of a new turf installation and installation of new tennis courts to replace the old ones that are severely damaged and currently condemned. 

A third and final phase of the facilities plan is expected to be put before voters around 2027. We expect the scope of work to include additional updates to the Intermediate School, including a new gym.

Construction of the new competition gymnasium at the High School is expected to be completed in 2026.

Upcoming community forum

District leadership as well as our architects and construction manager will host a Capital Project Community forum to share additional information and answer questions about the project. Please join us on Wednesday, December 6 at 5 p.m. at Hornell High School.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tax impact of the proposed project?

There will be no increase in taxes as a result of the project. The construction of a new gymnasium will be funded by New York State building aid that is available for the maintenance of school facilities. As a result of prudent financial planning, the district will be able to leverage its capital project reserve fund to supplement state building aid and limit the tax impact of the project.

How was this project chosen?

In 2018, the Board of Education and district administration began working with its Facilities Committee, community members and a team of architects to review our school buildings and facilities and plan for needed improvements. The district created a 10-year master plan to guide capital projects and ensure our students and community can continue to enjoy safe, supportive and modern educational spaces and athletic facilities. The proposed competition gymnasium replacement is Phase 2 of this 10-year plan.

Phase 1 of the plan, which was approved by voters in December 2022 and is currently underway, includes: Construction of a two-story classroom wing, reconstruction of some existing classrooms, reconstruction of main office and nurse’s office, construction of a new playground (Intermediate School); Roof replacement and reconstruction of entry canopy and bus loop (North Hornell Elementary); Modernizing classrooms, corridors, lights, security and technology in the Junior High wing and turf replacement, tennis court renovation (High School).

Who can vote on the proposed project?

You may vote if you are 18 years old or older, a U.S. citizen, a district resident for at least 30 days, and a registered voter for either a general election or a school board election.

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. 

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, 2023. 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, 2023. The district office is located at 120 Raider Road, Hornell, NY.