NORTH SYRACUSE — Citing the need to address shifting enrollment numbers and aging infrastructure, the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to advance an $11 million capital project proposal to the State Education Department. The decision, made during the board's regular meeting on Feb. 23, 2026, marks the first formal step in a process that could lead to a public referendum later this year. If approved by voters, the project would focus on health and safety upgrades, as well as instructional space additions at the elementary level. District Superintendent Donna DeSiato noted that the project is timed to take advantage of favorable state building aid ratios. "This is a proactive measure to ensure our facilities match the needs of our students," DeSiato said. "By submitting the proposal now, we position the district to maximize state aid, which could cover roughly 80% of the project costs." The board voted 8-0 to authorize the submission of the initial design plans to the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Additionally, the board approved a contract not to exceed $50,000 with Ashley, McGraw Architects to complete the necessary design documents and environmental reviews. Board President Michael Brangieri emphasized that the $11 million figure is a preliminary estimate subject to change based on state feedback. "This vote does not authorize construction," Brangieri clarified during the discussion. "It simply allows us to get the plans into the hands of the state so we can have a clearer picture of the final scope and cost before asking the taxpayers for approval." The proposed project comes as the district continues to monitor enrollment trends. While recent projections show a slight decline in overall numbers, district data indicates a need for specialized instructional spaces to support special education and STEM programs. Enrollment currently sits at approximately 8,500 students across the district’s 11 buildings. In other business, the board approved the academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year. The calendar features a pre-Labor Day start for students, with the first day of classes tentatively scheduled for September 2, 2026. The calendar was approved following a review by the District-Wide Policy Council and received positive feedback from the teachers' union leadership. The meeting also included several moments of recognition for student achievement. The board honored the January "Students of the Month," highlighting six students from across the district's elementary schools and two from the junior high schools for demonstrating exceptional kindness and academic dedication. Looking ahead, the board approved an overnight travel request for the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Marching Band. The group will travel to Syracuse University on March 15 for a regional adjudication, with transportation costs covered by the district's music department budget and student fundraising efforts. The board also moved to update the district's science curriculum resources. Members authorized the purchase of new laboratory equipment for the three middle schools, totaling $25,000. The purchase aims to align classroom tools with the new Next Generation Science Standards adopted by the state. The next regular meeting of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at the district office on West Taft Road. Public session is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.