Existing capital project reserve funds would cover costs; 0% tax increase projected

On Dec. 20, 2022, the Hornell community will be asked to vote on a $32 million capital project proposal to address several needs identified in the district’s 2018-19 Facilities Comprehensive Plan. The multi-year plan to make necessary facility improvements and enhancements and realized cost savings will be brought forth to voters in three Phases.

Phase 1 focuses on classroom renovations, roofs, turf replacement and installation of new tennis courts.

The majority of the work will be focused on improvements at the Intermediate School, which celebrated its 100th year in the 2021-22 school year. Renovations will reconfigure classroom sizes, as well as renovate the main office and nurse’s office, and modernize mechanical and electrical equipment throughout the building. To maintain the number of classrooms the building has currently, a two story classroom addition is also included in the proposed scope.

In a May 2022 budget vote exit poll, 72% of respondents supported the proposed renovations for the Intermediate School building.

Classroom renovations are also planned at the High School. The Grade 7-8 wing will be updated including the bathrooms. The turf will be replaced to avoid more costly issues from deterioration in the future. The existing tennis courts are severely damaged and currently condemned. The reconstruction of the courts would benefit both our student-athletes and the greater Hornell community.

Last summer, North Hornell completed construction on the school’s Pre-K wing, adding four additional classrooms to the building, as well as updating all corridor finishes, and a new playground. This proposal replaces the north entry canopy, as well as an aging roof.

The second Phase proposal is planned to be put before voters in 2023 or 2024. Potential scope of work in Phase 2 includes updates to the high school gym and athletic facilities. The upgraded gym will feature spaces that can better accommodate various competitions and large group events. Plans also include updates to training rooms, locker rooms, and the installation of a walking track for community use. In the same May 2022 exit poll, 66% of respondents supported the proposed work at the high school.

The final Phase of the 10-year facilities improvement plan is estimated to be put before voters in 2027.

The potential scope of work would focus on completing updates at the Intermediate School such as the addition of a new gym and converting the current gym to a vocal and band music suite. Existing unused classroom space would be removed for the larger gym space and would include a secondary connector corridor to improve the flow of student traffic in this space.

Planning for all Phases of this master plan is ongoing. The vote that will occur on Dec. 20 will only contain scope identified in Phase 1. The district will continue to seek feedback for elements to include in Phases 2 & 3.