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Capital project work improves elementary buildings
Over the winter recess and in January, the facilities department has been making improvements to elementary school buildings as work continues under the Strong Schools Equal Strong Communities capital improvement project.
As is the case during the summer months, the days following Christmas are often the busiest for the department’s workers, who are able to make building upgrades while teachers and students are gone.
This winter break saw the department install new unit ventilators in classrooms in the Early Learning Center. The ventilators replace the previous heating system and feature sensors in each room to ensure consistent conditions throughout the school. “The ventilators more effectively heat the rooms and meet state requirements for intake of fresh air,” said Director of Facilities Marcos Rodriguez, noting they circulate air in the rooms three times an hour.
Steady conditions encourage focus and excellence in the classroom.
“It is critically important that students are comfortable in their environment,” Principal Nadine Elting-Dargan said. “We’re pleased with our new system so far.”
Unit ventilators are slated to be installed at Poughkeepsie High School this summer.
Rodriguez said his team also replaced the plaster ceilings in Warring Elementary with drop ceilings, and have been installing new metal doors at Krieger.
The district is in the midst of more than $120 million in improvements and construction that has already elevated the safety of buildings and upgraded facilities. Much of it falls under the multi-phase Strong Schools Equal Strong Communities capital improvement project, approved by voters in 2020. Another phase of the project totaling approximately $34 million is being planned. The additional work will not have a tax impact on the local residents.
In the coming months and years, the district plans to create innovation labs in school buildings – beginning this winter with several elementary innovation labs – renovate the high and middle schools’ auditoriums, and repair the middle school pool, among other improvements.