Pulaski Academy & Central School District

CAPITAL PROJECT

Dear Pulaski Academy and Central School District Community,

On October 15, 2024, voters approved the 2024 capital project by a decisive vote of 152–14. Since that approval, the District has continued moving the project forward through State Education Department review and approvals, along with detailed architectural and engineering planning.

Most recently, the Board of Education awarded the project’s prime contractors, marking a major milestone in the process. We are pleased to share that the project bids came in favorably. As a result, and because the overall project budget allows, the District will be completing several additional facility improvements as part of this capital project. These enhancements include new stairs at the Elementary School gym entrance, renovations to the Elementary School auditorium, and the installation of a new HVAC unit in the Middle School gym. These additions further strengthen student safety, accessibility, and comfort while maximizing the value of the voter-approved investment.

The total cost of the project remains $26,000,000 and will be funded through a combination of state building aid, our capital reserve fund, and retiring debt. It is important to emphasize that, due to the timing of the project, the level of state aid, and the capital reserves previously established, there will be no additional tax increase for our community as a result of this project. This has been a top priority for the Board of Education, and we are proud to deliver a comprehensive facilities plan that meets district needs without placing an added financial burden on taxpayers.

This project is the result of careful long-range and strategic planning by the PACS Board of Education and administration. Our primary goals are to support high-quality academic programming, maintain and improve the efficiency of school operations, and ensure that our facilities are well-positioned to serve future generations of students. We are mindful of the economic realities facing our community and have designed this project to be forward-thinking while remaining fiscally responsible.

The work focuses on renovating and preserving our existing infrastructure at both Lura M. Sharp Elementary School and Pulaski Middle-High School. Planned improvements include HVAC upgrades and partial roof replacements at both buildings, masonry restoration at the Elementary School, new lighting in the Middle-High School auditorium, new floors in the Middle School, and updated science classrooms at the Middle-High School. Together, these upgrades will help ensure our buildings remain safe, functional, and supportive learning environments.

Construction is scheduled to begin during the April 2026 school break and continue through September 2027. We will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses and as construction milestones are reached.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students, staff, and schools.

Sincerely,

Tom Jennings, Superintendent