Groton school district to move ahead with capital project

When the polls closed on Groton Central School’s (GCS) proposed capital project vote at 9 p.m. Dec. 7, the proposal passed with 318 voters in favor of the project to 68 against. That was the necessary and desired outcome for GCS Superintendent Margo Martin, the Board of Education and all in the district who had worked so hard to bring it to a public vote at a 0% tax levy.

“On behalf of the entire Groton School District, I would like to extend a huge thank-you to the community for your continued support in the programming for our youth,” Martin said.  “It is through ongoing capital projects and a consistent reinvestment in the infrastructure, academic and extracurricular programming that helps us achieve our mission of ‘empowering all students to reach their fullest potential and thrive in a diverse, ever-changing world.’”

The scope of the project will be carried out in two phases, with phase 1 to begin in April 2022 and phase 2 in spring 2023.

Phase 1 will include renovation of Ross Field into a multi-purpose sports complex, site work at Groton Elementary School (GES) to renovate the baseball field, upgrades to mechanical equipment and systems at GES and a plumbing system upgrade at Groton Jr./Sr. High School (JSHS) at a cost of $7.1 million.

Phase 2 of the project will utilize the remaining $3.7 million of the overall $10.8 million project and will entail renovation of a portion of the GES basement to create a Science Learning Center as an extension of the STEAM program for younger learners in kindergarten through grade five, upgrades to the plumbing system at GES, updates to the fire alarm and electrical systems at both buildings, upgrades to the site and parking areas at the JSHS, replacement of the JSHS auditorium roof and the bus garage roof, upgrades to the mechanical and plumbing systems at the JSHS, and replacement of the radiant heating and gas detection systems at the bus garage.

The district’s reserve funds and cash on hand will cover $3.44 million of the project. The remainder will be paid through bonds, for which the district receives 88.8% in state aid. Through responsible, long-term financial planning, the district will be able to complete this project without a tax increase for its constituents.

“The next phase of our work includes submissions of plans to the New York State Education Department for approval for work on phase one to begin this April,” Martin said. “Simultaneously, we will begin meeting with our architects [Ashley McGraw] for the design work necessary for phase 2 of the project, which will commence during the spring of 2023.”

Certainly, the Ross Field renovation is the most complex and costly portion of the project, but it is also the part most in need of attention. For several years, the district has discussed the need to upgrade its athletic facilities to ensure the safety of its students, as well as its guests on the fields.

These renovations will address the drainage issues and aging outbuildings, which pose serious threats to safety if not mitigated. It will also open up the use of the athletic facility for several sports teams (youth level through varsity).

The scope of that work will also include leveling the field, a new and more energy-efficient lighting system, replacing the surface with artificial turf that can withstand use by football, soccer and softball, and replacing the press box, bathrooms and concession stand.

Safety and accessibility issues have been prevalent with the existing baseball field for several years as well. Due to inclement weather rendering the field almost unplayable, our baseball teams have literally not been able to use their own field for the past three years.

The upgrades to the baseball field will involve reorienting it for optimal play, regrading it for appropriate and safe slope on the outfield and a cut-out new infield.

For those who like to know these details, the artificial playing surfaces will be made up of several layers, which entails a crushed stone base, porous rubber shock pad, a rubber and sand infill mixture and a 2.25-inch fiber height.

“The district will be sure to keep the community updated on the work being completed through our e-newsletters, district bulletins, the district webpage and our social media presence,” Martin said. “All that we do is first measured by our district’s mission, vision and core beliefs, always starting with the first core belief: ‘students are our first priority. No exceptions.’”

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.  

In brief: 
 
GPL Story Time 

The Groton Public Library will host “GPL Story Time” at 6 p.m. Dec. 16. Holiday stories, crafts, snacks and more will provide a fun evening for all. Call Sara or Pat at (607) 898-5055 or email director@grotonpubliclibrary.org to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

Dickens drive-thru 

As it was such a hit last year, Groton Jr./Sr. High School’s drama, music and art clubs will present A Dickens Drive-Thru, inspired by Charles Dickens’s novel and movie, “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Watch last year’s video, courtesy of John Brehm, at t.ly/GhsM.

First Day Hike 

Save the date for the second annual First Day Hike in Groton. Kick off 2022 with a community hike of the Groton Trail System. It’s a great way to spend the first day of the new year outdoors with your family and friends. The hike will begin at the Groton Memorial Park, 170 Pasadena Ave., at noon Jan. 1. All ages are welcome.