Field of dreams
Silver Creek Capital Project shows progress
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Shown is the progress of the construction of the multi-sport athletic “super field” at Silver Creek Central Schools.
Pictured is a rendering of Silver Creek’s multi-sport athletic field currently under construction.
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Shown is the progress of the construction of the multi-sport athletic “super field” at Silver Creek Central Schools.
Pictured is a rendering of Silver Creek’s multi-sport athletic field currently under construction.
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SILVER CREEK -- There is plenty of change going on at Silver Creek schools, none more so than to the campus itself. The new school playground is complete, but it is far from the only major part of Silver Creek's capital project that has seen substantial progress.
Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston is encouraged by the progress of the multi-sport athletic field, which has already had the turf installed, as well as the auditorium, which is well underway in its renovation.
"The capital project, so far, continues to be on time," Ralston said. "We're moving along."
The athletic complex, referred to by Ralston as a "super field", incorporates baseball, softball, and soccer fields in its design. The turf field will not be used for football as the District consistently received feedback that baseball, softball and soccer needed to be prioritized. The District recently installed a new track around its natural grass football field.
The "super field" will be installed in the open area behind the school, adjacent to the new playground. Also included in the complex will be new scoreboards and dugouts for baseball and softball, portable fences, backstops and perimeter fencing, and an emphasis on improved accessibility for spectators.
The new athletic complex will "definitely" be finished and open at some point in the 2026-27 school year, according to Ralston, potentially at some point this fall, assuming no setbacks.
Ralston believes the auditorium will be finished by the end of the 2026-27 school year so that it can be utilized for the Class of 2027 graduation ceremony.
The improvements are part of the $36.1 million Capital Project voters approved in December of 2024. It is the largest Capital Project in the school's history. The project also includes upgrades to the pool, gymnasium, and many classrooms, in addition to the new playground, which officially opened in July. The project was fully funded through capital reserves and state aid reimbursement, resulting in no tax increase to residents.
Also of note, athletic coaches for the 2026-27 school year were recently appointed, with many of the coaches remaining in their positions, including Sean Helmer (football), Nate Shuart (boys basketball), and Chris VanCheri (baseball). One notable change is Samantha Scanlan taking over the role of Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach in place of Kevin Rice, who retired from the district after 29 years.
The District Safety Plan was presented and a 30-day public comment period was opened. The District Plan for Special Education was also approved by the Board. Several conference requests were also approved by the Board, as well as the adoption of the District Mission Statement, "Empowering all to grow, belong and succeed."
The Board also approved a contract with Personal Touch Food Service, of Buffalo, for the 2026-27 school year at a per meal cost of $2.68 for breakfast and $3.92 for lunch. The cost increase from year to year amounts to the State allowable amount of 5.1%. A contract with Stark Tech Operating Company for yearly preventative maintenance of the district's HVAC system amounting to $17,280 was also approved.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.