On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Mayfield Central School District residents approved a $19 million capital improvement project with a vote of 108 (yes) to 26 (no). Items included in the capital improvement project will enhance learning spaces, help ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, and continue to build a positive, supportive school culture.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to come out and vote, especially considering the bad winter weather,” said Superintendent Christopher Clapper. “We appreciate your support and partnership in helping us maintain an environment where all students can learn, grow and thrive.”
Project highlights include renovating elementary classrooms, redesigning the Jr/Sr high school outdoor space, replacing and upgrading doors, installing air conditioning in both buildings, adding a new weight room, and upgrading the athletic facilities entrance.
Project Cost
Total Cost: $19 million
Capital Reserve: $1.6 million
Financed: $17.4 million
Reimbursed through State Building Aid: 81.4%
NO TAX INCREASE for taxpayers
How will the Capital Improvement Project be financed with NO TAX INCREASE? The district will use $1.6 million from its Capital Reserve and finance the remaining costs with bonds. State Building Aid will cover approximately 81.4% of the costs, which will be reimbursed over the life of the bonds. The district’s debt from a previous capital project will be ending at the same time it acquires the new debt, so the capital project won’t increase the school budget or school taxes.
Project Highlights
Modernized Learning Spaces
- Renovate elementary classrooms from top to bottom – including new flooring, windows, casework, and modern electronics. These flexible, technology-rich learning spaces will feature moveable furniture and innovative design elements to create “classrooms of the future,” transforming aging facilities into welcoming, dynamic environments for the district’s youngest learners. While not all classrooms can be addressed with this project, the district has developed a multi-phased plan to include additional classrooms in the next project.
- Redesign Jr/Sr high school outdoor space – Reimagining “The Quad” as a fun, engaging space for older students to gather, learn, and connect, helping to build school culture and support a positive student experience.
- Expansion of the agriculture room and shop space. Mayfield’s agricultural pathway is continuing to expand to include new opportunities for students. In this new space, students can continue to experience hands-on, career and college-readiness courses that align with the interests of the Mayfield community and its students.
Security
- Replace and upgrade doors. New doors will meet updated fire-rating standards, have structural reinforcement to prevent break-ins, and be equipped with wireless locking systems to enhance classroom safety and security.
- Install back-up generators. This addresses issues with potential power outages and reduces interruptions to students’ learning time.
- Install air conditioning across both buildings. This upgrade ensures compliance with new NYS regulations requiring schools to have a remediation plan for classrooms that reach 82 degrees, with 88 degrees designated as the maximum permissible temperature for occupancy in learning spaces. While not all classrooms can be addressed with this project, the district has developed a multi-phased plan to include additional classrooms in the next project.
Athletics
- Air conditioning will be added to both gymnasiums.
- A new weight room will be added to the Jr/Sr high school gymnasium. This room will allow for a space dedicated to weight training and another focused on cardio fitness. The district’s goal is to open up these spaces to the community in the future.
- The Jr/Sr high school gymnasium entrance will be renovated to include a new sign, removal of the existing awning over the outdoor stairs, and updates to the surrounding concrete area. These enhancements will improve safety and create a clearer, more welcoming entryway for students and visitors.
Other project upgrades include updates to the cafeteria, kitchen and bus garage – including new boilers in the bus garage, replacing buried fuel tanks, refurbishing hallway floors throughout buildings, and addressing on-going water issues.
Project Timeline
Summer 2026: Designs will be submitted to the New York State Education Department for approval in early summer 2026.
Spring 2027: Construction will begin late winter/early spring of 2027.
Fall 2026: Bids for the project will go out in the fall of 2026.
Summer 2027 & Summer 2028: Construction. All improvements are expected to be completed by the first day of the 2028-29 school year.