Our Elementary Objective: Capital Project

"Our Elementary Objective" is a $49.8 million capital project that focused on safety, learning and integrity improvements at Park Hill, Woodland, Minoa, Fremont and, to a much lesser extent, East Syracuse Elementary (ESE), which is a relatively new building.

Carefully developed over more than two years, ESM District voters approved the project on Dec. 11, 2018 with an 87% approval! It did not increase school taxes and was completed in the fall of 2022.

From a generational perspective, Our Elementary Objective was really the final piece, one that will create a continuity of instructional experience for all students from pre-k through graduation. The project is driven largely by the age of the buildings—basic infrastructure that has exceeded its useful life, safety provisions, instructional space improvements and innovative indoor/outdoor learning spaces. Other than ESE, our pre-k to 5 schools range in age from 50-80 years. The project is also significantly guided by our 2018-23 strategic plan to align the quality and design of our learning environments with an emphasis on learning, innovation and safety. 

“This project continues the legacy of planned, financially responsible capital improvement,” said Dr. Donna DeSiato, ESM Superintendent of Schools. “The community has supported major renovation, expansion and updates at the high school and Pine Grove in recent years. Residents have seen how this work aligns with our strategic plan to support the district’s goals.”

Four of the five pre-k to grade 5 schools have had comprehensive rehabilitation. ESE received modest upgrades because it is relatively new. Areas of emphasis included:

• Student Safety and Security
• Improved and New Indoor Learning Spaces
• New Outdoor Learning/Play Spaces
• Better Student Flow/Circulation
• Upgraded Technology
• Upgraded and New Building Systems

These improvements fall into three general categories: building SAFETY, student LEARNING and INTEGRITY of the physical structures.

Community engagement has been ongoing throughout the development process. Our Elementary Objective will complete the continuum of learning environments in the ESM Central School District, which is recognized throughout the region as a leader in innovative learning models and environments.

For further information use the links below (bottom of page).