BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

CANTON — Canton Central underwent major renovations this past year to its classrooms, parking lot, swimming pool, cafeteria and offices. Students will see those changes when they return to classrooms Sept. 5

In May 2021, residents of the Canton Central School District approved a $27.5 million capital project to improve existing buildings and classroom spaces as well as athletic facilities. In February of last year, votes approved a $10.5 million referendum due to inflation.

“While a lot of headway has been made over the summer with the project, there will be ongoing construction at the start of the school year, extending into the fall,” said Susan Todd, district superintendent.

She said she appreciates everyone’s patience as projects near completion.

New Parking Lots

Parking lots have seen major changes.

The Banford Elementary parking lot has a new blacktop and striping is complete.

“A new gate will be in place near the playground to prohibit vehicles for students’ safety soon,” Todd said.

The existing high school parking lot construction is finished, with the new lot scheduled for completion by the start of the school year, she said.

The former middle school parking lot is now off-limits for parking.

Todd said the installation of a new gate is underway, and there will be limited parking for handicapped individuals in this area.

The super is reminding motorists that vehicles are not permitted to be parked on any “no parking” striped areas.

Cafeteria Upgrades

Work is still underway in the HS cafeteria, but is complete for elementary and middle schools.

At the high school, kitchen construction is underway and is expected to be operational by late fall.

At the beginning of the school year due to further work needing to be done, HS students will be served a cold menu, and they will dine in the new HS cafe, which will have a sealed concrete floor.

“We anticipate all new cafeteria furniture will be in place in September,” she said.

Canton Central is eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), so all students will receive meals and milk at no charge regardless of income.

However parents/guardians are still asked to complete the (CEP) form as it helps to determine additional state aid and federal programs that children may qualify for. That form will be included in the district’s Welcome Back Newsletter, and it is also available at the District Office.

Pool, Fitness Center, More Updated

Todd said the pool is close to completion, with finalization of the area pending approval from the NYS Department of Health.

Anticipated opening is in late fall, the super said.

Before taking a dip, students can work out in the new fitness room.

New fitness equipment is expected to be delivered before the start of the school year.

“The district rejected the flooring installation, and the replacement flooring will not be able to be installed later in the year,” Todd said.

It is anticipated that the fitness room will be available to the public by mid-October.

Todd said new classroom spaces of CTE wing and music room should be ready and operational for the start of the school year.

High school office construction is ongoing, as the district is focusing on making sure instructional spaces are ready for the first day of classes, she said.

“High school office staff will be temporarily located in other spaces,”Todd said.

The High School Learning Resource Center (LRC) is undergoing extensive HVAC replacement.

“It will be usable at the start of the school year, and the rooms in the back of the LRC are under construction,” Todd said.

Construction of the new security window and entrance near the Bandord Office is underway and is expected to be completed in late fall.

New and Old Faces

Canton Central welcomes several new employees for 2024-25. They include: Kate Murphy, 8th grade English teacher; Chelsea Reilly, middle school art teacher; Trenton Sullivan, middle school special education teacher; Stefani Ballard, Banford Elementary teaching assistant; Lauren Smith, Banford Elementary physical education teacher; Danielle Barney, French teacher; Jayden Grant and Katrina Warson have joined the maintenance team and Michelle Montroy is a new food service worker.

Two faces that are not really new to many people at Canton Central have taken on new roles in the district.

Former HS principal Doug Dominy is now the 7-12 Dean of Students and Robert Kotz (a former dean at Canton), has returned from Gouverneur Central and was appointed as high school principal.

“Mr. Dominy and Mr. Kotz are excited to be working collaboratively again, and both are looking forward to their new roles in the district and the start of a new school year,” Todd said.