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Rensselaer City School District

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Capital Project

  • Construction on Roof
  • Siding
  • Questar Entrance
  • Backside of building
  • Deteriorating Track
  • Pothole cause by poor drainage

Debt Re-Financing and Capital Project Vote

On December 8, 2026, a vote will be held in the Rensselaer City School District Auditorium Foyer. There are two propositions on the ballot. The first helps the school re-finance the debt, which projections say could save the school up to $4,000,000. The second is an expansion of the 2024 Capital Project, which would allow for improvements to the track, a new turf field, and outdoor classrooms. 

You can find Frequently Asked Questions here. If you have a question that is not answered on this document, please contact Superintendent Joe Kardash at jkardash@rcsd.k12.ny.us.

 

You should have received this mailer listing the propositions in full and answering some important questions

 

Click this link for a video explainer on both propositions.

 

Original Project FAQ’S

What is the purpose of the capital project?

The project aims to reconstruct, renovate, and improve district buildings to address long-term issues and create a safer, more functional learning environment for students and staff.

A primary focus of the project is to repair extensive water damage caused by poor construction nearly 20 years ago. Although the district explored the option of pursuing legal action against the original contractor, the statute of limitations had expired, leaving a capital project as the most viable and responsible path forward.

What is the total cost of the project?

The approved project totals approximately $28.8 million. Funding will be provided through:

  • District Capital Reserves
  • EXCEL Aid
  • Bond with 85.7% State Aid

Will this project increase taxes?

No. The capital project is structured in a way that will not result in a tax increase for district residents. This was a key factor in building community support for the proposal.

What improvements are included?

The project will include:

  • Address significant damage to the exterior walls and roof due to water infiltration
  • Complete renovation of the entire building envelope
  • Repair sidewalks due to uneven settling from water drainage issues

What was the outcome of the community vote?

Superintendent Joseph Kardash noted that during in-person voting at the school site, 73 voted yes and 14 voted no. He stated: "We had an overwhelming positive response. The fact is, this project won’t require us to raise taxes, which eased any community concerns."

What is the timeline for completion?

District's detailed proposal submitted to the New York State Education Department in the Spring of 2025 has been approved. The District is now working with its architects, engineers, and the construction manager to procure qualified vendors. Once the RFP process is complete and bids are awarded, demolition and construction will begin. Given the size of the capital project, construction will proceed in multiple phases. The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2027.

 

Who can I contact with questions?

For additional information or questions about the capital project, please contact:

Superintendent Joseph Kardash
Email: jkardash@rcsd.k12.ny.us
Phone: (518) 465-7509

Project updates will continue to be shared on the district website and through ParentSquare as progress is made.