Students and Staff Remain Optimistic in Year Two of CCHS Capital Project

By Alexander Rennick, CCHS Senior 

February 25, 2025

A group of students and staff from Colonie Central High School revealed their insights and opinions about the school construction. While some of the school community  lacks interest in the project,  the Capital Project has so far left teachers and Principal Behlre optimistic about the next four years of construction. 

The Capital Project at South Colonie Central School District has been underway since last spring. The aim of the project is to renovate and modernize the school campus. 

Construction at the high school has caused some inconveniences during school hours. Accidental soundings of the fire alarm and construction workers moving through the school have caused distractions. 

Principal Behlre is a leading figure in the construction process. His direct connection with both staff and construction workers has provided many takeaways from the past year. 

“It sucks that seniors won’t be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Behlre expressing his regards for students that graduate this year that won’t benefit from the final result.

So far a few of the wings have been remodeled in our school with modern layouts; the goal is to give students a comfortable learning environment. With more construction coming during the spring semester the same disruptions may continue to see the proclaimed benefits.

“When it comes to construction people need to understand to expect the unexpected,” said Behlre about the potential problems that may occur this spring. 

Our principal has been one of the focal points of this project. While he doesn’t suggest construction has been smooth sailing, he seems to view most of the process in a positive light.

High School Librarian Ms. Luizzi has also revealed an optimistic light towards the future within the renovations of the library. She has claimed to already notice improvement with student focus in the library.

“Students that come here are generally getting more work done,” said Ms. Luizzi explaining her takeaways from the library renovations.

A junior at Colonie Central High School, Benjamin Fondacao claimed that he could see the construction helping students work in a more comfortable environment. However, he demonstrated an initial lack of knowledge regarding the Capital Project and wasn’t aware about the stages and process as a whole as well.

Freshman Erin Almonte gave her opinion about what the future holds for her and the rest of her class as the construction will be completed.

“I’m excited for it to be more modern and up to date,” said Almonte. 

In both interviews Fondacaro and Almonte had made it clear that although they seemed hopeful that the construction would do more help than harm, they weren’t too informed about the construction in the first place. 

Although we’ve had delays in the construction and distractions during school hours, students and staff seem to back the project and look forward to the finished product.