Massena Central capital project gets state approval; work set for December 2026

The first phase of Massena Central School District’s $79.8 million capital project has received approval from the New York State Education Department. Construction is scheduled to begin during the December 2026 holiday break, school board member Daniel J. Tusa said.

The district’s 2025 schedule called for bids in November or December 2026, a second phase in 2028 and project completion in 2029. Most of the work is expected to take place at the high school, with additional work planned at the junior high and other district buildings.

Voters approved the project 429-159 on May 20, 2025. The final project cost was set at $79.8 million, with state building aid expected to cover 92.5% and the district’s capital reserve covering the remaining $6 million. District officials said the project was intended to be tax-neutral, with no anticipated increase to the local tax levy.

The project follows an earlier $49.6 million, three-phase capital project approved by voters in December 2019. Phase one of that project began in summer 2020. In November 2023, the school board authorized an emergency project after a leak in the underground steam tunnel connecting the Central Administration Building and the high school. The current project includes converting the boiler system.

New York State Education Department rules require a building permit to be prominently displayed at the work site before construction begins, after final plans and specifications are approved. The district’s capital project page and board and Facilities Committee meetings are expected to provide updates. NYSED’s Office of Facilities Planning provides information about capital construction requirements.