Due to its outdated design and deteriorating infrastructure, Albany High School is no longer able to meet the needs of its teachers and students, let alone prepare itself for larger student bodies and technologies that the future will bring. Last winter, the City School District of Albany Board of Education unanimously approved a proposal to completely overhaul the school and campus, but now it is up to voters to determine Albany High’s fate.
On November 3, voters will either approve or reject the $196 million project that would include a combination of new construction and renovations. The proposal calls for expanding the size of the school by 50 percent and adding a new three-story academic wing, a welcome center, a new auditorium and fine-arts wing, and enclosing the existing open courtyard.
The career and technical education (CTE) space would be moved onto the main campus, eliminating the three-block walk students currently have to make to the Abrookin Career and Technical Center. The existing academic wing would be completely overhauled, and an indoor track and second auxiliary gym would also be added.
If approved, the project would take place in four phases over the course of seven years in order to minimize the distractions and disruptions that students and teachers would experience. All phases would be completed by the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
According to an FAQ sheet prepared by the district, homeowners with Basic STAR could expect a tax increase of $42 on average for homes assessed at $150,000, $60 for homes assessed at $200,000, and $77 for homes assessed at $250.
Learn more about the proposal before election day by visiting the City School District of Albany’s website and browsing its FAQ page. Remember to get out and cast your vote on November 3!
What do you think about the proposal? Are you in support of renovating Albany High, even if it means an increase in taxes?
