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Capital Improvement Information

We Are Proud of Our Facilities and Campus

The Marcellus Central School District and its community members have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the beauty of our school facilities.  It is even more important that we provide a safe, modern, and supportive learning environment for all students.  Through strategic planning, responsible budgeting, and community collaboration, we continually invest in upgrades that improve the safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and educational capacity of our facilities.  Our commitment reflects a shared vision for excellence, ensuring that our schools are spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive for generations to come.

The Evolution of the District and Its Facilities

Most New York school districts evolved from a one room school house to the sprawling campuses we enjoy today.  Here's a historical evolution of the Marcellus Central School District and its school buildings:​

Early Education Facilities

  • 1795: Education in Marcellus began with Hon. Dan Bradley teaching in his home. ​

  • Late 19th Century: By the mid-1800s, several school districts operated within the town, including District No. 1 at Marcellus Falls and District No. 2 in the village. ​

Formation of Union Free School District No. 2

  • 1891: Marcellus Union Free School District No. 2 was organized by consolidating District No. 8 on East Hill, District No. 2 of Skaneateles on West Hill, and District No. 2 in the village. ​

  • 1892: A new brick school building was constructed on West Main Street, serving all grades.  The first high school class graduated in 1893. ​

Centralization and Expansion

  • 1935: Voters approved the centralization of schools, leading to the construction of a new centralized school building. ​

  • 1937: The new school opened on Reed Parkway, accommodating students from Marcellus and parts of surrounding townships.

  • 1954: To address post-war enrollment increases, a primary school adjacent to the original high school was opened.  It was later named K.C. Heffernan Elementary School after a longtime elementary administrator. ​

  • 1961: Kasson Road Elementary School was constructed to further alleviate overcrowding. ​

  • 1966: A new high school was built on additional land purchased from the Stone farm, opening in the fall. The previous high school building transitioned to serve as C.S. Driver Middle School, named after Chester S. Driver, the supervising principal during the centralization era. ​

Modern Developments

  • 2019: The district celebrated the reopening of the renovated high school building, marking the completion of an $18 million project. The renovations included updated interiors and the creation of a new STEM wing, grouping science and math classrooms together.  Renovations to the K.C. Heffernan Elementary School included upgrades to its HVAC systems and modernization of its cafeteria kitchen.

  • 2023: The Senior High School parking lot was reconfigured to provide additional parking and enhance safety for students and community members.  Renovations to the C.S. Driver Middle School included replacement of auditorium windows and upgrades to its HVAC systems.  All three academic buildings experienced extensive roof replacements.

  • Ongoing: See menus to the right for an overview of anticipated improvements.

Throughout its history, MCSD has demonstrated a commitment to adapting its facilities to meet the evolving educational needs of its community, ensuring that students have access to quality learning environments.