A $24.46 million bond, taken out by Carlynton school directors Feb. 2, will support a building renovation at Carnegie Elementary and other projects at Carlynton Jr.-Sr. High School.

District officials say the bond financing provides long-term funding to address aging infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and modernize classroom spaces.

Directors approved borrowing up to $24.46 million, but only anticipate borrowing about $21.09 million of that.

What is the project?

At Carnegie Elementary, bond funding supports: a redesigned cafeteria/auditorium; replacement of sanitary lines under the building; modernizing electrical and plumbing systems; upgrading security and ADA accessibility; relocating the library to include a STEAM instructional space; adding a music instruction and instrument storage classroom; adding other classroom spaces for general education, special education and English Language Learner programs; and upgrading student storage space.

At the Jr.-Sr. High School, the money would go toward: replacing a roughly 30-year-old roof and installing a new roof that would pair with a solar energy system; and improving the shop for career and technical education programming. The solar energy system has a separate funding source and is not part of the bond issue.

“This bond represents a thoughtful, long-term investment in our facilities and our students,” said Superintendent John Kreider. “The board has been intentional about focusing on safety, infrastructure, accessibility and instructional relevance while being mindful of our responsibility to taxpayers.”

What does this mean for taxpayers?

Carlynton had a 1.76-mill tax increase in the 2024-25 budget to address anticipated new debt service related to the project, officials said.

There was no tax increase this year.

Officials say the bond has been structured to fit within the district’s existing finances.

“The financing approach allows the district to address multiple essential needs in a coordinated manner while maintaining predictable, long-term debt service and fiscal stability,” the district said.

What is the timeline?

Construction at Carnegie is expected to begin in May. Work will continue through the school year and aims to be complete by July 2027.

District officials plan meetings this spring to review construction phasing, safety measures and changes to student drop-off and pickup during construction.

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