BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Massena Central School District officials are preparing for the next phase of the district's planned $79.8 million capital project after the state Education Department signed off on phase one. 

School officials said work will begin during Christmas break in December, with bids currently being solicited. 

Board member Daniel Tusa provided a brief update during the board's most recent meeting. 

“Documents are out to contractors for bid. It looks like there’s strong interest from various contractors in all areas of need,” he said. 

The project is an extensive one, building on the district's previous capital project that came in at a price tag of $49.6 million, with the bulk of the project funded through state aid. 

The previous project included major upgrades to each elementary school, as well as the junior high and transportation facility. 

Now, school officials are moving forward with overhauls to the district's HVAC control system, athletic complex and critical infrastructure upgrades such as a boiler conversion, LED lighting upgrades, new bathrooms, a new secure entrance at the main office, as well as the replacement of an air handling unit. 

Bids are currently being accepted and must be submitted to the district offices by Nov. 5 at 3 p.m., officials said. 

Bid openings will then occur later that day in the high school auditorium. 

"Work is expected to begin over this coming Christmas break. Work will begin at the high school. The current fitness area, pool, and boys’ locker room will be the first focus areas of the work," Tusa said.

As part of the plan, Tusa said the girls' locker room will be divided into two smaller ones to accommodate students and student athletes during the next phase. 

At present, King & King Architects LLP is working on the next phase of the project, which will include renovations to the athletic facilities. 

Officials said the plan is to solicit bids beginning in November, with plans to open them in January 2027. 

Work will begin next June following final exams. 

School officials said the hope is to have work completed during the summer of 2029.

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