Alden School District Moves Forward with Capital Project Aimed at School Improvements
The Alden Central School District is planning a significant capital project aimed at upgrading key areas of its schools, focusing on both infrastructure improvements and enhancing student facilities. Superintendent Adam Stoltman and architect Steve Shchurowsky from Young + Wright Architectural, the project’s leaders, recently sat down to discuss the vision behind the initiative and its long-term impact on the district. The project is set to go to a community vote in December, and its approval could shape the district’s future for many years.
Addressing Critical Infrastructure Needs
This $48 million capital project targets essential infrastructure upgrades identified through years of planning and collaboration. While many of these improvements may not be immediately visible to the public, they are crucial to the daily operations and safety of the schools. Systems such as fire alarms, public address systems, clocks, and decades-old wiring hidden behind the walls are all slated for replacement if the project moves forward.
“These systems have been in place for over 50 years,” said Steve Shchurowsky, the architect from Young + Wright Architectural leading the design efforts. “They’re well beyond their useful life. Our goal with this project is to ensure that the school’s infrastructure is up-to-date and provides a safe, secure environment for students and staff.”
Other necessary improvements include roof repairs and parking lot renovations. Stoltman emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate into more costly emergency repairs.
“We have a roofing system at the primary school that’s failing,” Stoltman explained. “If this project isn’t approved, we’ll need to make emergency repairs, which can become very expensive. By voting in December, we can avoid those costs and fast-track the repairs next summer.”
Enhancing the Student Experience
While the project is heavily focused on infrastructure, both Stoltman and Shchurowsky expressed excitement about elements that will directly benefit students, including the renovation of the middle school cafeteria and library, upgrades to the primary school playground, and improvements to accessibility through new elevator systems.
“Kids may not get excited about things like roofs or fire alarms,” Stoltman acknowledged, “but they will notice a renovated cafeteria, a new playground, and improvements to the library. These are the spaces where they spend much of their time, and making sure they’re comfortable, safe, and engaging is a big priority.”
The primary school playground will undergo significant upgrades, particularly to accommodate the district’s universal pre-K program, which now includes younger students who find the current equipment unsuitable.
Shchurowsky added that the cafeteria renovations would address both aesthetic and functional needs. “Right now, the cafeteria is cramped and outdated. The food preparation areas aren’t designed for today’s meal programs, and the flow of the space doesn’t work well for the number of students it serves.”
A Community-Centered Approach
Throughout the interview, both leaders emphasized the critical role the community has played in shaping the project. Alden has a longstanding tradition of involving residents in major decisions, and this capital project is no different. Stoltman noted that the planning process began with a five-year building condition survey, followed by meetings with a community-based committee made up of educators, administrators, and local residents.
“We’ve been working with our community for over a decade on projects like this,” said Stoltman. “This isn’t something we put together overnight. The feedback we’ve received from parents, teachers, and students has been invaluable, and we’re confident that this project reflects the community’s priorities.”
Shchurowsky highlighted that the project aims to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals. “Every five years, we conduct these surveys and work closely with the community to figure out what needs to be done. This project is about ensuring that our buildings are well-maintained and ready for the future.”
One key aspect of the project is that it will be completed without any additional tax burden on residents. Stoltman explained that the local portion of the funding will come from the district’s reserve funds, which have been set aside specifically for this purpose.
“Some people might be concerned when they hear a number like $48 million,” Stoltman said, “but we’ve planned ahead, and this project won’t raise taxes. We’ve structured the financing carefully so that we can get this done without impacting local taxpayers.”
Preparing for the Future
As the December vote approaches, Stoltman and Shchurowsky hope the community will see the long-term value in supporting this project. Both leaders highlighted the importance of ensuring that Alden’s schools remain modern, safe, and functional for the next generation.
“We like to compare school buildings to your home,” said Shchurowsky. “Just like in your house, things wear out over time. But with schools, the stakes are even higher because we have hundreds of students walking through these buildings every day. These repairs and upgrades aren’t optional—they’re essential.”
For Stoltman, the project represents a commitment to the future: “Our students and staff deserve to have the best possible facilities. We’ve worked hard to make sure this project balances necessary upgrades with improvements that will directly benefit the kids. We’re not just maintaining our buildings; we’re creating spaces where students can thrive for decades to come.”
As the community gears up to vote on the project in December, both leaders encourage residents to get involved, ask questions, and stay informed.
“We want people to have all the facts,” said Stoltman. “If anyone has questions, we’re here to answer them. This project is about the future of our schools, and it’s a decision we’re making together as a community.”
