Village residents will consider a $6.67 million Capital Project in May that will provide additional classroom space in Menands School to address an increase in student enrollment and educational mandates.
The project was approved March 10 by the Menands School Board of Education and will go before voters on May 20 alongside a separate proposition for the school district’s annual budget. The board’s approval followed a public hearing that elicited a smattering of public comments.
Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo said the project would have a “minimal” impact on taxpayers, with a yearly tax increase forecast of $6 for seniors with a STAR tax exemption; $12 for all property owners with a STAR exemption; and $14 for those without the exemption. The estimate is based on a $150,000 assessed property value.
The project would address a critical need for 3,585-square-feet of new space while expanding educational opportunities for students, Cannavo said.
“Over the last few years, we have had to move fifth grade into the Middle School to accommodate larger class sizes. At the same time, we have increasing special education demands and an overall shortage of space,” she said.
For example, the guidance office meeting space and the district’s food pantry is now situated in what used to be an entranceway and lobby to the district offices.
The project will also address long-term issues within the school, including aging infrastructure.
“The project would ensure that our students now—and in the future—have the proper environment to grow and thrive in,” she said. 
Specifically, the project would include the:
- Replacement of two boilers that are over 30 years old with new condensing boilers, pumps and system; remaining vintage ventilators, water heaters and storage tank with a condensing domestic hot water (DWH) system; deteriorating piping; flooring on the stage, dilapidated suspended hallway ceilings and faulty, leaky windows
- Addition of air conditioning in the Middle School and completion of the air conditioning in the primary school
- Renovation of restrooms and locker rooms to accommodate physical and occupational therapy near the cafeteria
- Addition of two-tier lockers for fifth-grade students
- Installation of additional lighting to the exterior of the school and replacement of existing lights
- Additional emergency lighting and replacement of signage
- Replacement of exterior doors on the lower level
- Additional fencing around the primary playground
School officials said the project addresses the immediate needs of the district as outlined in a conditions survey while also meeting the changing and diverse needs of the district’s population.
One example is the district’s increasing special education population that has resulted in the creation of the Riverside Special Education Collaborative. Launched in September to provide the “least restrictive educational environment” for students in the Menands, Cohoes, Green Island and Watervliet schools, the collaborative has allowed many Menands students to receive the services they need in the district’s self-contained classrooms for students with developmental disorders, autism and complex communication disorders.
Through the collaborative, each district pays the costs associated with their students, no matter where the student is educated.
“We have three classrooms here in Menands that can serve up to 25 students, and they are completely full,” said Pupil Personnel Services Director Audrey Koslowski.
The May 20 vote will take place from noon until 8 p.m. in the District Office, located at 19 Wards Lane in the village.