Voters in the Liberty Central School District approved the district’s $42.7 million capital project proposal, 178-47, on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

The project will address safety, efficiency of building systems and educational spaces and meeting the needs of today’s learners. It also will fix issues identified in the latest building condition survey. The project will have no impact on taxes.

“I thank the community for its continued support of Liberty Central School District and its students,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “The work included in this project will improve the educational environment for our students, offering them more comfortable, healthier  and safer spaces to learn now and explore their futures.”

The Liberty Central School District Board of Education and administration, working with CSArch, the construction management team from Schoolhouse Construction Services and Fiscal Advisors, crafted the plan using information gathered in a capacity study, a long-term demographic analysis and the building condition survey conducted during the 2021-22 school year.

The design process will continue through July 2024, with state Education Department review and approval expected by November 2024. The bid process is expected to be completed by February 2025 with the contract awarded the following month. Construction should begin in late spring 2025 with the project substantially completed by early fall 2027.

On Jan. 10, Liberty Central School District hosted its final community forum on the proposed $42.7 million capital project.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan offered a presentation on the proposal, explaining what is proposed and how it will impact student learning.

Chris White from Chenango Contracting presented “Field Turf 101,” showing how turf fields are created and installed and providing details on the safety of turf vs. natural fields.

To view the recording of the forum, visit https://events.locallive.tv/events/136016.

The vote will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the Liberty High School Gymnasium, with an inclement weather date of Jan. 17.

Those who have questions may email questions@libertyk12.org with “Capital Project” in the subject line.

For more information about the project, visit the district’s capital project page at www.libertyk12.org/about-us/capital-project-2023-24.