Edgemont School District Launches $62 Million Project

EDGEMONT – The Edgemont School District has launched its $62 million “Building Dreams” capital-improvement project, designed to ensure Edgemont facilities match the 21st Century educational excellence the district strives for, and that all students are exceptionally equipped to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

Two milestones were attained on June 27, 2025: the start of construction improvements for Greenville Elementary School’s cafeteria and a ceremonial groundbreaking for the entire $62,071,470 project outside Edgemont Junior Senior High School’s cafeteria, where construction began on June 30, 2025.

The extensive capital improvements, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 at all three school buildings, represent “bringing a vision together” after years of in-depth collaboration with the community, said Superintendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton.

“What’s most satisfying is seeing this vital dream come to life. I’m excited about being able to put the shovel in the dirt today,” he said at the groundbreaking, attended by district employees, past and present Board of Education members and construction representatives.

Board of Education President Jennifer DeMarrais said upgrades will benefit generations of students. “The bond is a direct reflection of our values and vision, representing an investment in the future by providing facilities that support academic excellence, safety and opportunity for every student,” she said, thanking the community. “You are ultimately the reason we are here today. Your support for the bond represents our shared commitment to creating an environment where our students can thrive, our teachers can innovate and our community can grow stronger together.”

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Administration Bryan Paul, a key voice in coordinating the project, said the groundbreaking is the “beginning of a transformative chapter in Edgemont’s history.”

“This project was designed with you in mind,” he said of Edgemont students. “You inspire us every day, and these spaces are being built to reflect your potential, your safety and your future.”

Paul detailed the bond’s history, which began with discussions during the 2017-18 school year. A capital improvement plan approved in 2021 was tabled after the Covid pandemic substantially increased costs. Voters in May 2024 declined to support a revised proposal built on new data, enrollment shifts and a heightened need for ventilation and security upgrades. However, voters overwhelmingly supported a refined, community-informed $62 million bond on Oct. 7, 2024.

The capital improvements include:
● Renovated and expanded cafeterias at Edgemont Junior Senior High School, and Greenville and Seely Place Elementary Schools.
● Districtwide air conditioning in instructional spaces.
● Dedicated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) classrooms at every school, fostering collaboration and creativity.
● Safety and security enhancements, including secure vestibules, emergency notification systems, upgraded cameras, and new locksets.
● Interior renovations to buildings across the Edgemont Junior Senior High School campus.
● Athletic facility upgrades including modernizing fields.
● Emergency access improvements across all campuses.

The construction timeline:
• June 27, 2025: Greenville Elementary School cafeteria work began.
• June 30, 2025: Edgemont Junior Senior High School cafeteria work began.
• Fall 2026: Seely Place cafeteria, STEAM classroom, Greenville STEAM classroom, first phase of district-wide HVAC upgrades and security.
• Summer 2027: Edgemont Junior Senior High School baseball/softball/multi-use field, STEAM classroom, second phase of district-wide heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and security.
• Fall/Winter 2027: Edgemont Junior Senior High School A-Building renovation; Edgemont Junior Senior High School district office renovation.