Some unexpected findings during the Mount Markham Central School Capital Project has caused some setbacks on the work.
MMCSD Superintendent Joe D’Apice told Board of Education members at their meeting last week that plans on paper can change when actual work begins.
For example, thinking one of the school cafeteria floors just needed new grease traps resulted in the entire floor being torn up.
But, D’Apice said, school will open as scheduled next month and adjustments will be made as needed. “It’s been surprise after surprise,’’ D’Apice said. “Most of the spaces will be done to open school.’’
Much of the work on the almost $26 million project had to be done from when school closed in June to opening day in a few weeks.
All three schools plus the Bus Garage are undergoing major renovations.
Board members met last week for the first time in their new Board room in the Middle School.
Board President Jay Kulczak said while work remains to be done in the room - speakers will be installed in the ceiling for better sound and the door had no handle - it was good enough for the Board to use finally.
D’Apice said the Food Service program, which has been moved from BOCES to in- house, continues to be a journey, although not an easy one.
The goal of the change, he said, is to feed students better and healthier food, while utilizing student learning with the Family and Consumer Science and FFA programs.
“At the end of the day we’ll have something everyone can be proud of,’’ D’Apice said.
The new sandwich station at the High School will not be ready at the start of school. D’Apice said the High School is getting most of the changes and they will be done in phases.
Both the High School and Elementary School will have completely new cafeterias.
The Art Room at the High School will need another month after school starts to be ready for use.
It’s also possible the Elementary School gym will not be ready by Opening Day.
“It’s been nightmare after nightmare,’’ D’Apice said.
Despite the setbacks found on the Capital Project, D’Apice said it remains under budget.
To allow more time for every student to have the free breakfast provided each morning, each building will start 10 minutes earlier than last year.
Students who finish within the breakfast time or don’t eat will be assigned to study groups, walking groups or other structured activity.
High School Principal Victor Zampetti said the earlier start for his building means BOCES students can leave at 8:05 a.m. and arrive on time.
The District has changed how school taxes are collected. No longer will payments be made at the District office.
Business Official Lou D’Ambro said Mount Markham taxes will be collected by the Bank of Utica. Residents have three ways to pay:
1. Go to the Bank of Utica and pay with cash or a check
2. Visit the website that will be listed on the tax bills. Payments can be made by credit or debit card for $2 or by electronic check for 50 cents.
3. Payments can be mailed to the Bank of Utica, PO Box 303, Utica, 13504.
D’Apice said this change was made for both convenience and safety.
No longer will large sums of cash be in the school building or have to be transported by staff.
Martha Kennedy was re- appointed as a long-term substitute Social Studies teacher.
Cindy Powers, a retiree of the District, was hired as a ...
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