Ripley Central School Board of Education members reviewed preparations for the upcoming public vote on the 2026 Capital Project at their meeting in February.

Residents of the Ripley School District will vote on the $10,196,736 project on Wednesday, March 11 from 2 to 8 p.m. in the large gymnasium. A community presentation was to be in the superintendent’s office Tuesday.

According to a flier issued by the district, the majority of the project will be paid for using available State Building Aid funds. The local share “will be fully offset using a combination of the District’s Capital Improvements Reserve Fund and other available district reserves.

District Superintendent William Caldwell said it is a priority of the board “to be mindful of the financial impact of a new capital project on our Ripley community. As a result, we are able to propose the 2026 Capital Project with no additional increase to taxpayers.”

The scope of the project involves infrastructure improvements, mechanical and electrical system upgrades, building improvements and upgrades and renovations to some classrooms and the health office, Caldwell said.

An informational newsletter has been mailed to all district households. Additionally, people can visit www.ripleycsd.org or scan a QR code in the flyer for more information.

In other business, board members learned that a decision must be made regarding the first day of school in September because Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7 this year.

Caldwell told board members that because Labor Day falls later than usual in September it may be necessary to start classes before the holiday. “Looking at next year’s calendar, Labor Day is as late as it can possibly be,” he said. “It used to be that no one started classes before Labor Day.”

Caldwell went on to explain that if classes begin before Labor Day, families will still have a four-day holiday weekend for the last camping trip of the summer or other activities. “Our recommendation for next year is to start school before Labor Day,” he said. “Other districts in Erie County who are starting after Labor Day may have only two snow days in their calendars.”

In a related matter, Caldwell told the board the district could still be facing snow days this year and three of the scheduled snow days have been used. If the school is closed again due to weather, the district may have to utilize the Friday before Memorial Day, which is scheduled as a day off, he said.

The decision to close the school due to weather is very difficult, Caldwell said. “When the county offices are closing, “It makes it difficult to justify keeping schools open.” Snow days are one of the most stressful decisions.”

In another matter, Caldwell told board members that the district has completed the computer-based testing simulation to prepare students for the upcoming state tests. “It’s really helpful for our third grade students who have never done state testing on computers before this,” he said.

Director of Curriculum and Pupil Services Michelle Waters said the simulations “are a vital dry run used to pinpoint any procedural issues that need to be addressed prior to our actual testing window.”

In her report, school Principal Sara Centanni said that the archery team recently took part in the Salamanca State Qualifying Archery Tournament. “This event served as a critical platform for our student athletes to test their focus under pressure as they aimed for a spot in the state level competition,” she said. “We had nine RCS students and one CLCS student quality for states and we are waiting to hear who will be selected to make the trip to the state archery tournament in Syracuse on March 13,” she added.

Centanni also said that the Ski Club “has been making the most of the winter season with their weekly excursions Peek ‘n Peak Resort every Tuesday.” She noted that 14 students in grades three to six take part in the club.

Board members also learned of a letter to all Ripley school students from Karen O’Neal, Chief of Voluntary Services for the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In the letter, she thanked the students for the Christmas cards and decorated ornaments that they sent. “The veterans are grateful for your thoughtfulness!” she said. “Your willingness to make our patients’ lives fuller and happier is greatly appreciated.”