COPES CORNERS – Following months of anticipation, members of a local steering committee as well as school officials are relieved to know they can move ahead with building project plans.

Last Wednesday, 248 of the 294 votes counted in the Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton school district showed residents’ support for the $8.5 million building project.

Superintendent Douglas Exley says he was thrilled with the number of residents n the area who showed their support. “The numbers not only showed that the project makes sense to the public, but it also showed that the steering committee and everyone involved has been successful in meeting with the public and informing them about the project,” he said.

Exley explains now that voting is complete, the district will begin immediately on the project.

“The next six months is important. This is when the design and site work will begin,” said Exley.