NEW BERLIN – Unadilla Valley Central School District voters will decide this month whether to approve nearly $25 million in school improvements that district officials said would not increase the local taxes.

The $24,995,000 proposal includes major classroom renovations, security upgrades, an agricultural learning center and improvements to athletic facilities.

“While some portions of the proposed project focus on creating new opportunities for students, other improvements address the ongoing responsibility of maintaining our school building and providing safe, functional, and welcoming learning environments,” wrote the district in a recent announcement.

A public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, November 16, in the school library.

Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, November 23, in the community gym at the school, 4238 State Highway 8. Voters should use the building’s south entrance.

District Public Information Specialist Jake Palmateer said the district would use state aid and capital reserves to complete the project without increasing the tax levy. As current existing loans are paid off, the district plans to keep spending the money previously used for those payments, toward the new project.

The Board of Education approved the plan on September 21 and now the proposal will be out to voters.

The project was developed through the district’s Facilities Committee in several public meetings with active community input during the 2025-26 school year. The school has also reviewed the plans with a hired financial firm.

“This proposed capital project balances investments in student learning, enhanced school security, infrastructure preservation, and athletics, while remaining within the Board of Education’s target budget,” Superintendent Brenton Taylor said.

“The project addresses UV’s highest priorities, protects taxpayer investment and positions our school district to serve our students and the community well in the future,” he said.

The proposal includes auditorium renovations, a library cafe, new learning areas, and a pole barn serving as an agricultural education center.

The auditorium work would improve the space for student performances and concerts.

The library project would provide an area for students to study and find academic support.

Students would have opportunities to operate a small cafe, gaining experience in customer service, money management and business operations, according to the district. The cafe could also give student clubs and organizations a way to raise funds and build leadership and teamwork skills.

“This investment is about more than updating a library,” the district wrote. “It is about making better use of an existing school space to provide students with practical experiences, encourage responsibility, and develop skills they can carry into college, technical training, military service, or the workforce.”

The agricultural center would give students additional opportunities to work with animals and develop skills in agriculture.

“These improvements will help prepare students for careers in agriculture, skilled trades, and related industries while also supporting those who choose to continue their education,” the district wrote.

Other interior improvements include replacing the cafeteria floor, updating the family and consumer science classroom, renovating the Storm Alley bathrooms and installing bottle-filling stations in primary elementary classrooms.

The bathrooms serve students and staff during the school day, as well as visitors attending after-school events. Renovations would update the aging facilities without changing their layout.

Security improvements would be made to school doors, along with upgrades to fire alarm and security systems.

Building and grounds work would include greenhouse repairs, paving the bus loop and north and south parking lots, replacing overhead and exterior doors at the bus garage, and installing a bus lift.

Athletic improvements would relocate and improve the baseball and softball fields, including the turf infields. Tennis courts would also be relocated and improved, and the running track would be resurfaced.

Project information and updates can be found on the school district’s website at uvstorm.org/capital-project-2026-27.