Glens Falls School Election on May 19th
For those living in Glens Falls, New York, aside from those in the Abraham Wing School District, there will be a Glens Falls School District election on Tuesday, May 19th from 12-9pm at the Sanford Street School. This vote will not only decide whom should be on the School Board and the annual school budget but some proposals for improving all schools in the city. Below are some explanations, from the Glens Falls School District, about each proposal and the candidates running for school board:
Candidate for Board of Education: Laura Kennedy Kivlen
“As a graduate of GFHS and now a proud parent in our district, I’m running for my second term on the school board to continue to help strengthen the community that shaped me. I bring a deep understanding of our schools’ history and a personal investment in their future. I’m committed to asking thoughtful questions, listening with intention, and collaborating with educators, families, and students to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Our students deserve a board that is curious, engaged, and focused on their success — and that’s the work I’m ready to continue doing for another five years.”
Write-In Candidate for Board of Education: Jason McLaughlin
“I believe strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. Through my work serving vulnerable youth and families as an Executive Director of WAIT House and the Warren Washington County Homeless Youth Coalition, I see every day how education can either open doors or leave young people behind. I want to help ensure that every student in our district feels supported, challenged, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.”
Proposition 1: Capital Project
The $29,160,000 capital project proposition is designed to revitalize our schools without increasing the local tax burden. By leveraging approximately 76% in state building aid and using $3,000,000 from the district’s capital reserve savings, the plan is entirely tax neutral.
Starting in October, the Board of Education analyzed the Building Condition Surveys for each building, made site visits, and met with our architects to prioritize the needed work. While there was well over $50 million of work indicated on the BCS, the Board decided to keep the project tax-neutral and target the most-needed repairs and upgrades.
The majority of this project focuses on conscientious stewardship: the vital, though often unseen, maintenance required to keep our facilities safe and efficient. High-priority improvements include kitchen renovations at all five schools, a redesigned High School cafeteria for better traffic flow, and critical mechanical upgrades such as boiler replacements at Jackson Heights and roof repairs at the Middle School and Kensington Road.
Beyond structural maintenance like asbestos abatement and LED lighting upgrades, students will see direct benefits through playground repairs at all elementary schools and renovated High School restrooms. These “behind-the-scenes” investments—ranging from electrical service upgrades to weatherization—represent a responsible commitment to maintaining the community’s assets while enhancing the daily environment for our students and staff.
Some highlights include:
Kitchen renovations at all five school buildings; renovation of the High School cafeteria to include better seating configurations and improved flow of food service lines
Playground updates and repairs at all three elementary schools
Middle School roof repairs
Middle School and High School Public Address system repairs and replacements
High School bathroom renovations to include more single-stall restrooms; pool pump replacements; classroom lighting
Asbestos abatement in small areas at multiple buildings
Big Cross parking lot expansion; gym air handling unit replacement
Jackson Heights boiler and hot water heater replacement; replace electrical panels; upgrades to the building’s electrical service
Kensington Road EPDM roof replacement (or an extremely durable, synthetic, rubber roofing membrane combining ethylene, propylene, diene, and terpolymer); replacement of asphalt sidewalk with concrete; replacement of unit ventilators in classrooms
Bus garage pavement of gravel area for better bus parking; right-size gas service
Proposition 2: Energy Performance Contract
The contract is not additional construction or new spending; it is a smarter way to pay for improvements already included in the Capital Project — one that unlocks more state reimbursement and guarantees real energy savings for years to come.
After conducting a comprehensive energy audit and detailed analysis of current energy needs and costs, the district will make energy conservation improvements to dramatically increase efficiency and save money. Entering into an energy savings performance contract with Danforth calls for:
LED lighting to be installed to replace regular fixtures throughout the buildings
Building automation system upgrades (heating, air handling and air quality controls
Building envelope improvements (making walls, windows, floors and roofs more weathertight)
A positive vote from the community would increase state aid for the capital project by 10%, resulting in estimated $350,000 in additional state aid for the district. By leveraging this increased aid alongside the guaranteed efficiencies of the EPC, the district can modernize facilities without increasing the burden on local homeowners.
An Energy Performance Contract (EPC) guarantees cost savings and is monitored by New York State. Completing a project that reduces long-term energy costs helps mitigate future cost increases, and the project is paid for through the savings it generates rather than new, additional spending—making it budget-neutral for taxpayers. If the guaranteed savings are not achieved, the energy services company (Danforth) must compensate the district for the shortfall.
The technical language on the ballot proposition notes “...entering into an energy performance contract and related financing documents in the principal amount not to exceed $3,500,000, and levy of a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due,” but this is not an additional tax levy. It is simply the state-required legal language included in every financing proposition.
