CORRECTION - An early version of this story said the vote begins at 9 a.m. In fact voting begins at noon and runs until 9 p.m. North Country This Week regrets the error.

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg School District voters will have a chance to approve or shutdown a $65.5 million capital project on Jan. 23 beginning at noon

Ogdensburg City School District Superintendent Kevin Kendall says due the substantial state aid rate the project is the most effective way to keep school facilities up-to-date and make much needed improvements.

The massive project will span all three of the school districts with $31.25 million designated for Ogdensburg Free Academy, $7 million for the Golden Dome, $9.6 million for Kennedy and $7.1 for Madill.

The district will be using $4 million from the capital reserve fund and $360,000 from EXCEL Aid.

In addition to these funds, New York State would reimburse 98% of the district’s spending on this project.

Improvements at OFA include exterior wall and window restoration and replacement; reconstruction of the metal shop, wood shop, drawing room, main gym, auxiliary gym, home and careers, robotics and create program rooms.

It will also include upgrades of mechanical systems and the public address system.

• Other upgrades at OFA include improvements to the soccer field and bleachers, baseball outfields, irrigation and message center.

Ogdensburg’s Golden Dome would see various improvements including roofing and insulation. New team locker rooms, boards and netting would be included as well. A wheelchair lift and bathroom renovations would also be included as well as upgrades to plumbing and HVAC systems.

• At Kennedy Elementary parking lot and playground improvements would be made. The roof is set to be replaced and various upgrades to HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are proposed.
• At Madill parking lot will be serviced and the playground will be relocated. Building interior upgrades are planned as well as improvements to the HVAC system.

Also planned is a new transportation facility which will include a drive, parking lot, fencing fuel station, snow scraper and utilities. A new 60 foot by 128 foot building would be added and will include three repair bays.

The project is funded at 98 percent aid ration meaning the local share will consist of only 2 percent of the total project cost.

In preparation for the project the school district has saved $4 million which will be allocated to the project to cover the majority of the local share and will not have a negative impact on the tax levy.

If approved, construction would likely start in June of 2025.