Southgate Elementary School has provided a great learning environment for North Colonie’s students for the past 53 years. Time and the elements, however, have placed stress on the building structure and its systems. Aging ventilation and heating systems, for example, make it difficult to regulate temperatures in the building, which can make the classroom environment uncomfortable for students.
 

If voters approve the $7 million proposed capital project referendum on Monday, March 3, the district would be able to address heating issues and other infrastructure repairs and improvements that have been on the district’s radar for some time at Southgate, as well as at the district’s eight other school buildings.

Additional work is planned for Southgate to complete improvements that were originally proposed in the 2001 bond project, but were postponed due to unexpected repairs that were uncovered at other locations during construction.
 

Project highlights at Southgate

• Replace the original boilers, pictured right, and storage water heater that are approaching the end of their useful life to improve energy efficiency. This may also require some asbestos abatement ($425,000).
   

• Last year, a new buzzer system was installed outside the main entrance of the school requiring all visitors to identify themselves prior to entering the school building. To further enhance building security, a proximity card reader system would be installed. Staff would be issued key cards, enabling them to access the building during regular school hours without having to be buzzed in at the main entrance ($10,000).
   

• Switch to an Internet-based energy management system, which would allow select maintenance staff to more effectively troubleshoot problems and adjust energy settings from any PC with an Internet connection, on or off site ($23,000).
  
  
  
   

• Replace unit vents, pictured left, that are original to the building. The ventilators are outdated, and it has become increasingly difficult to find the replacement parts necessary to maintain them
  ($220,000).
  
  
  
   

• Upgrade existing heating and ventilation controls to a newer, more efficient, Direct Digital Control (DDC) system, providing the ability to better maintain space comfort and maximize energy savings ($40,000).
   

• Re-roof and reinforce 50,000 square feet of the original roof to prevent leaks and to meet current roof engineering requirements for snow load. This will also extend the life of the building ($760,000).
  
  

• Repave deteriorating bus loop and parking area, pictured right, to increase traffic safety. Both have undergone continuous short-term repairs. Also, extend retaining wall behind 1991 addition to control soil erosion ($175,000).
   

• Provide power in select classrooms for air conditioning to accommodate students with special needs ($10,000).

Total cost at Southgate: $1,663,000