Crews from DV Brown and Associates remove heating and ventilation equipment from the roof of the Raymond J. Fashano Technical Academy. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

Crews were in full force recently replacing heating and ventilation equipment at the Raymond J. Fashano Technical Academy.

The replacement is part of the several projects under way at various schools in the Jamestown Public Schools District.

In December 2023, district voters approved a $126 million capital improvement. JPS has discussed the project, to be undertaken from 2024 to 2029, as necessary for each building in the school district as well as its bus garage.

The project will have no local tax impact to taxpayers as the district is reimbursed by New York state at a rate of 98 percent. The remaining 2 percent already has been earmarked by the district for capital projects. A previous $86.5 million project was approved by voters in 2021.

“We’re going to be at every single building districtwide,” Brittnay Spry, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, said in December 2023. “That really makes this project exciting; there will be improvements at every location across the district.”

At the Tech Academy, upgrades include modernization of classrooms, as well as work to the building’s plumbing, electrical and ventilation.

Bush Elementary School will see renovations to its auditorium and gym; the installation of sidewalks to connect the drop-off loop to the parking lot; and improvements to its ventilation system.

Ring Elementary School will see renovations to its auditorium and cafeteria; the installation of sidewalks to connect the building to Dearing Street; and repairs to exterior walls and windows.

Fletcher Elementary School will see the replacement of its fire alarm system and library flooring; and renovations to some of the bathrooms.

Lincoln Elementary School will see the replacement of the second-floor hallways and corridors; the addition of two new bathrooms; the replacement of the fire alarm system and exterior lighting; and the addition of an electronic fence at the delivery entrance.

Love Elementary School will see the renovation to the retaining wall outside the school.Jefferson Middle School will see the resurfacing of the track at Strider Field; the replacement of the parking lot; and the connection of the walking loop.Persell Middle School will see upgrades to its water and heating system as well as HVAC system and the replacement of out-of-warranty roofs.Washington Middle School will see the replacement of the field scoreboard and the renovation of the tennis courts.

Jamestown High School will see the replacement of the retaining wall and the renovation of the tennis courts.