Ripley Central School Board of Education members approved motions at their meeting last month, preparing for a public vote to be on March 11 regarding the proposed Capital Improvement Project.

The project is estimated to have a maximum cost of $10,196,736. The work will include renovation of some classrooms and the health office, upgrading windows, roofs, flooring, walls, ceilings and doors, as well as removing a concrete loading dock.

Several building systems will also receive improvements, including heating and cooling equipment, electrical service, generator, boilers and pumps, as well as electrical power upgrades at the bus garage.

The board authorized District Clerk Victoria Mosier to post the full details of the project and notice of the vote on the district website and in local newspapers. The vote itself will be held in the large gymnasium of the main school building from 2 to 8 p.m.

Furthermore, the board approved a SEQRA Resolution for the 2026 Capital Project with a negative declaration. This means that the district has identified all relevant areas of environmental concern and determined that the project will not result in a significant adverse impact.

The board also reviewed the combined report of Principal Sara Centanni, and Director of Pupil Services, Michelle Waters. Centanni reported that, on Jan. 4, the district hosted the 13th Annual Ripley Wrestling Novice Tournament, which brought more than 200 wrestlers from New York State and Pennsylvania. “It was especially rewarding to see our youngest Ripley athletes — from pre-K 3 all the way up to fourth grade — compete so well,” she said. “It was a great day for our students and our youth wrestling program.”

Centanni also reported that the Archery Team competed in a NASP qualifier at Global Concepts in Lackawanna. “They did a fantastic job and we want to wish them the best of luck as they travel to Salamanca this coming weekend.”

Centanni said the winter concert in December was very well attended and shows the community support of the arts program. She also noted that more than 100 students received an ice cream celebration in recognition of having completed their Math and Reading homework.

In her report, Waters told the board that after school tutoring was set to begin on Jan. 20. “We have 35 students signed up for these sessions,” she said. “To make sure the extra time is as effective as possible, we are tailoring the support to each child.”

In a related matter, Waters said the Math Fact Breakfast Tutoring is back in full swing. “We are incredibly proud to report a huge jump in Math fluency across the entire building,” she said. “It’s been wonderful to see students gaining confidence with their basic facts, and we’re continuing to provide that extra morning boost for those who need a little more practice.”