Capital Project 2026 Referendum
On May 11, 2026, the Greenwich Central School District will hold a Public Hearing for a proposed capital project Referendum aimed at extending the life of our facilities, supporting student programs, and improving health and safety. The project is structured into two propositions and is designed to result in no additional tax increase for District residents.
Proposition #1: Heating Infrastructure & Safety ($12,935,000)
This proposition focuses on essential maintenance and efficiency upgrades across all three District buildings. Key improvements include:
- HVAC & Air Quality: Replacing aging classroom unit ventilators ("univents") and installing a new District-wide Direct Digital Control (DDC) system to optimize energy efficiency and centralized management
- Interior Renovations: Reconstructing Middle Grade (MG) corridor finishes, replacing JSHS locker room flooring, and installing acoustic-design flooring in the MG music room
- Exterior Fixes: Reconstructing the MG asphalt parking lot and replacing selected roof fascia sections at the JSHS
Proposition #2: Cooling & Ventilation ($2,740,000)
This second proposition, which is contingent upon the approval of Proposition #1, addresses overheating risks in 60 classrooms, primarily on the second floors of our buildings.
- The Challenge: NYS "Heat Law" requires that classroom temperatures remain below 88°F. Second-floor rooms are particularly vulnerable to overheating, which currently leads to student relocation and modified schedules
- The Solution: Installing air conditioning in these classrooms to ensure educational equity across all floors, improve indoor air quality, and support student health and learning readiness
Financial Impact & Timeline
The District plans to fund this project by leveraging an estimated 81.9% state building aid ratio and utilizing $785,000 from existing Capital Reserve funds. By strategically aligning new debt with the retirement of old debt, the project is projected to have no additional tax impact.
- Public Hearing: May 11, 2026.
- Referendum Vote: May 19, 2026.
- Construction Period: Summer 2027 through Fall 2028.
- Project Completion: Targeted for December 2028
Residents of Greenwich Central School District will vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 8:00am to 8:00pm in the Primary School gymnasium.
For more information, please contact Greenwich CSD Superintendent Jennifer Steimle at 518-692-9542.