COPES CORNERS – In a recent newsletter issued by Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton school, updated information for an expected building project was released.

At the end of last year, a committee was assembled to determine the needs of the district. After evaluating the building, the committee started meeting with the public to review its concerns in time to take advantage of the state’s EXCEL aid, designed for schools in areas of lower economic standards. The EXCEL aid allows for upgrades to disadvantaged schools at minimal or no expense to tax payers.

The committee met with administrators, school teachers and staff, as well as with the community, to discuss what the aid would be used for. In the newsletter, it states the project is designed to address the needs identified in the NYS building condition survey, repair and upgrade the blacktop and driveways and increase parking, improve the library, improve the science classrooms and establish an elementary science room, improve the music practice area, replace the roof with a peaked roof to improve energy efficiency, build a track for school and community uses, improve maintenance and storage facilities and add a wash bay and storage area to the bus garage.

The project does not refer to a swimming pool, a fitness center, additional gym space, increases in classroom space nor additional faculty or maintenance staff.