MCS Gets First Glimpse of New Playground

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Plans for the recently approved $8.1 million Middleburgh Central School building project will soon be submitted to the state education department.

The project, which includes improvements at the high school, elementary school, bus garage, and a new playground at the elementary school, was approved by voters in June.

Superintendent Mark Place gave the school board an update on the project timeline at the July 30 meeting.

The key points were:

* Submission of architectural plans to the NY State Education Department is scheduled for September 2.

* The district anticipates NYSED approval by January 1, 2026.

* Bids will go out in January/February, with awards expected in March 2026.

* Construction is planned for May through October 2026.

Mr. Place also shared drawings of the work on the schools and the new playground to be build behind the elementary school on the former Little League fields.

MCS voters in June approved an $8.1 million capital project by a count of 273 to 121. The project will utilize state aid and $2 million from the district's Capital Reserve Fund to pay for over a dozen facilities repairs and improvements. There is no additional tax impact.

Repairs and enhancements included in the capital project are focused on resolving current facility repair needs, preparing our infrastructure for future needs, improving safety for students and staff, and supporting community services in the buildings.

New York State Building Aid will cover approximately 75 percent ($6.1 million) of the cost. To keep the local share stable, the district will issue $6.1 million in bonds, which would replace retiring debt payments from a previous project. The district will use $2 million from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund to cover the remaining cost.

Repairs will include:

Junior-Senior High School

The Junior-Senior High School will undergo critical facility upgrades to preserve its historic integrity while improving safety, efficiency and accessibility. The main entry columns will receive structural repairs to ensure their longevity. The overdue replacement of stage and attic windows with energy-efficient models will reduce energy costs. In the auditorium, updated lighting would modernize the space for both school and community events, while the restoration of a missing balcony seating section would expand access.

The building’s main roof will have gutter repairs to address drainage issues and deterioration of the Yankee gutter system. Additionally, an out-of-service bathroom in the cafeteria will be replaced with ADA-compliant facilities.

Elementary School

Renovations at the elementary school will focus on safety and accessibility. The gymnasium’s outdated bleachers, which have been unusable for years, will be replaced with a modern set featuring side rails and other enhancements.

Additionally, space will be expanded at the school-based health center. The new design will include the required wet and dry areas to ensure a safe environment. Bassett Healthcare services support student learning and participation in athletics with free well-care and some dental services.

The Maze Craze, built by volunteers in 1989, is a cherished part of Middleburgh history. Over 35 years later, modern safety requirements, including wheelchair accessibility, require the district to consider the diverse needs of students in different ways. The district will gather community input and construct a new playground on the former Little League field— that would meet current codes and create joyful, barrier-free experiences for every child.

While MCS officials continue the design of the next playground, an online petition continues to attract signers to save the Maze Craze playground at the elementary school. District officials are planning to commemorate, and then "decommission" the wooden playground in about two years, but signers of the petition are asking the district to save the playground, that was built in 1989.

As of Tuesday, 650 people signed the petition titled "Save the Maze Craze Playground-Middleburgh, NY."

The petition reads, "The Maze Craze playground has been a vital part of the Middleburgh, NY community for years. This charming playground is not just a playground; it’s a place where children laugh, friendships are formed, and everlasting memories are created. Tearing down this playground would mean losing a piece of our community’s heart and a place our children have come to cherish.

Bus Garage Repairs

To ensure the bus garage remains safe and efficient, several upgrades are proposed. Two bus lifts, which have already exceeded their life expectancy, will be replaced. A floor sealer would be applied to preserve the integrity of the floor. Additional drainage would be installed to prevent water intrusion, helping to protect both the structure and surrounding grounds. Conduit will be installed under the parking lot to prepare for state-mandated electric vehicle charging.