Residents of the Hornell Central School District voted in favor of a proposed $32 million capital project on Tuesday, Dec. 20, with a vote of 197-118.

The project encapsulates phase 1 of a 10-year master plan that will impact each building in the district. The renovations and improvements will be funded through New York State building aid and funds from a capital reserves savings fund. There will be a zero additional tax impact to the community.

The Intermediate School will see the biggest impact following today’s vote. Some classrooms throughout the building will be reconstructed to be equal sized and a two-story classroom wing will be added. Both the main office and nurse’s office will be reconstructed and updated for better usability and efficiency, and a new playground will be constructed that will be more appropriate for students in grades 2-6.

At North Hornell Elementary, the roof will be replaced, along with the reconstruction of the entry canopy and bus loop.

Updates at Hornell High School will include modernizing classrooms, corridors, lights, security and technology in the Junior High wing. Student bathrooms in the building will also be redesigned.

The current turf surface at the High School will be replaced and the currently unusable tennis courts will be renovated to include five tennis courts and two half court basketball hoops. These improvements will not only have an impact on the district athletic programs, they will improve recreation options for the entire community.

Future Phases of the Facilities Master Plan

Looking ahead, the district plans to build a competitive gym at the High School that will include community access to a walking track, updated choir, technology and STEM lab spaces in Phase 2 of its plan. The vote for this work is anticipated to take place in 2024.

Phase 3, which is estimated to be presented for a vote in 2027, will include the reconstruction of the Intermediate School gym and transportation upgrades.