The Lockport City School District introduced a proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Project at the April 14 Board of Education meeting. The proposal is centered on three priorities: improving health and safety, expanding learning opportunities for students, and making financially responsible decisions.
The project is estimated to cost $17.5 million and is designed to be tax-neutral. The district has already allocated funds for this work, and the project will be supported through state building aid, strategic financial planning, and carefully structured debt service. This means the project is designed to avoid increasing the local tax burden on residents.
Expanding Opportunities for Students
The proposal includes a 12,000-square-foot addition at George Southard Elementary School to house the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program, relocating it from John Pound Elementary School. The addition will feature:
-Five UPK classrooms
-Two Special Education classrooms
-Dedicated office and support space
Investing in Safe, Reliable Schools
At George Southard Elementary School, planned improvements also include:
Replacement of the pedestrian bridge
Playground enhancements
Expanded parking to improve accessibility and safety
Boiler replacements
Fire alarm upgrades
Water valve replacements
Corridor ceiling and lighting upgrades
Pneumatic control system improvements
In addition, renovations at Anna Merritt and Roy B. Kelley Elementary Schools will include improve spaces for occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT); Provide updated offices for speech, counseling, and psychological services; and these improvements strengthen access to early learning and enhance social-emotional supports for students across the district; and at Roy B. Kelly, will include corridor ceiling, lighting replacements, and finish upgrades.
These upgrades are designed to ensure school facilities remain safe, reliable, and aligned with current standards.
A Responsible Approach to Long-Term Planning
The district’s approach focuses on long-term value by rebuilding where it makes sense and renovating where appropriate. This strategy helps reduce ongoing maintenance costs while making meaningful improvements to school facilities.
The proposal is based on findings from the district’s Building Condition Survey (BCS), a comprehensive inspection required by New York State, which identified areas in need of modernization and functional upgrades.
Learn More
To help the community better understand the proposal, the district has created a dedicated webpage with detailed information, frequently asked questions, and visual plans. An informational video is also available to provide an overview of the project.
Visit the full project page: https://www.lockportschools.org/page/2026-capital-project-proposal
May 19 School Budget Vote and Election Day
The proposed Capital Project will go before voters on May 19, 2026 from 12 to 9 p.m. You can find your polling place here: https://www.lockportschools.org/page/candidates.