Complaints rise among staff and students at Colonie Central High School as Capital District project takes way

The new Capital District Project in Colonie Central High School has sparked some controversy among staff and students as problems strike. 

By Samia Musleh

Reporting from Colonie

The construction for the Capital District project at Colonie Central High School has caused numerous difficulties for staff and students this school year. 

Many students have complained about the danger of the construction inside the school. 

“When they had the wires and all open and the roof tiles and that whole section open, that's a bit…dangerous and they should’ve done it over our winter break,” said senior student at Colonie, Ayah Elamin.

Construction on the football specifically has been an issue for students. Many students have either found another vehicle in their space or have had to move spots due to the construction on the turf and the senior parking lot being in close proximity.

“We’ve been emailed. Everyone who parks there to move all the way to the junior section which is all the way in the front and it’s very hard to with all the traffic get all the way to the front especially with all the buses so it’s been really difficult.” Elamin continued

Coaches working on the field itself also had some thoughts to share on the construction. 

“It’s definitely inconvenient, it’s definitely annoying and frustrating at times…” said Coach Woodward.

According Mr. Behrle, a Raptor system was used to confirm identification and a background of all construction workers. The workers must wear their ID’s out so it’s visible while in the building but Mr. Behrle has to constantly remind them.

Mr. Behrle mentioned that he looks forward to the project being done. 

As the new head of administrations, he didn't grasp the full extent of what he had to be dealing with.

“It sucks that the seniors here…won’t be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel…The biggest thing I’ve been preaching is to look toward the future,” Mr. Behrle said.

Many others also look forward towards the future. Like most of the gym coaches, Woodward spends a lot of her time in the football field, where the construction primarily took place. One major accomplishment so far has been the all new turf installed. 

“Having a turf for example is huge…by the end of this our athletic facilities will be some of the best in the area.” Coach Woodward said. 

Although there have been complaints and a few positive thoughts, some have no clue on what’s happening. 

“It’s very random…I don’t know what's going on.” said freshman Erin Almante.

The Capital District Project is Colonie Central High School's biggest renovation after its opening in 1955. Currently, the school is ongoing stage one that is supposed to be finished in Fall of this year. This stage includes renovations in athletics and classrooms in the math wing. 

Although it seems to have caused a variety of problems, many students and staff members remain eager for what's to come.