BERNE — Leaks in the roofs of both the elementary and secondary schools here have closed classrooms while repairs are made.

“Although our maintenance team has done an exceptional job minimizing disruptions to instruction, the increasing frequency of leaks has made it extremely difficult for them to keep pace with necessary repairs,” said Berne-Knox-Westerlo Superintendent Bonnie Kane, in an email responding to Enterprise questions.

To replace the roofs on both schools, which stand next to each other on Helderberg Trail in the hamlet of Berne, the district has proposed a $5.142 million project for new roofs.

School district residents will vote on the proposal on Monday, Nov. 10, from 7 a.m to 9 p.m., at the elementary school cafeteria.

The district says that the state will pay 79.2 percent of the costs, meaning property owners will pay about $9.08 per year per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Homeowners with the STAR (School TAx Relief) exemption will pay about $6.00 and residents 65 and older with the Enhanced STAR exemption will pay about $2.66 per $100,000 of assessed value.

Historically, the district has placed a capital project in front of voters every five years, Kane said.

In 2017, district residents gave a resounding “yes” to a $19.8 million bond to fund infrastructure, technology, and design improvements at the two buildings on the district’s campus.

The elementary school roof was originally slated for inclusion in that project, Kane said.

“At that time, the roof, installed in 1995, was already 22 years old and no longer covered by warranty,” she said. “Due to escalating pre-pandemic material costs, it was removed from the project’s scope. Nearly a decade later, the structural integrity of both the elementary and secondary school roofs has deteriorated significantly, making immediate replacement essential to maintain a safe and functional learning environment.”

The lifespan of the current rubber roof is 15 years and most of the roof is over 20 years old. The roof will be replaced with a synthetic rubber roof system, Kane said, which is resistant to both moisture and sun exposure.  

“Modern advancements in roofing technology now allow for the installation of materials backed by a 30 year full warranty,” she said. “This long-term solution not only safeguards the district against future repair costs but also ensures minimal disruption to educational operations, providing a secure and energy-efficient roof infrastructure that will serve students and staff through 2056.”

 In 2020, the State Education Department set up a staggered approach for school districts to complete a Building Conditions Survey every five years, designating a specific year for districts to complete their survey.

“Prior to our submission last spring,” Kane said, “a Building Conditions Survey was completed in 2015. Our survey was completed last spring and it indicated significant concerns with the structure and effectiveness of both the elementary and secondary roofs.”

Leaks have damaged ceiling tiles and walls, said Kane, adding, “Each instance of water infiltration compromises the roof’s insulation, allowing heat to escape and reducing the building’s overall energy efficiency which can ultimately result in a less comfortable learning environment for staff and students.”

If the bond issue passes, the district has outlined this timeline for the reroofing project: By December, project materials will be sent to the State Education Department for final approval; the project will be bid in February 2026; second-shift work will start in the spring of 2026; full-time roof work will begin in the summer of 2026 with completion expected by that September.

Kane concluded by saying, “I encourage our community to regularly check our website or sign up for Parent Square community messages to receive the regular updates and information concerning the project.”