A brand-new school on Binghamton’s north side took a major step forward Monday as the Binghamton City School District and local officials broke ground on the Theodore Roosevelt Renovation project. Students, staff, and visitors cheered as shovelfuls of dirt were tossed to commence the work on the new school building. Construction will begin in earnest as soon as the summer break begins on June 23rd.
“In our district, we personify our mission: Believe, Belong, Become. This school is a community hub for the North Side of Binghamton and helps not just our students, but all families that live in this neighborhood achieve our Three Bs,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Tonia Thompson. “Theodore Roosevelt is not a building; it's the people, the memories, and the lessons you carry with you long after you've moved on. This school will always be home. This is your school, and I can't wait to see the memories you'll make here.”
Dr. Thompson was joined by current and former members of the Binghamton City School District Board of Education, project architects and contractors, along with local government representatives State Senator Lea Webb, State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, and Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham.
The project cleared its final financial hurdle with the passage of the 2024-25 New York State Budget. Senator Webb and Assemblywoman Lupardo worked to include budget language that allows BCSD to access twice the amount of their typical multi-year cost allowance in a five-year period for capital projects. With this change to the State’s Building Aid formula, BCSD expects to be able to complete construction over an 18-month period; without this increase in upfront funding, the renovation project is estimated to take 25 years.
“Theodore Roosevelt Elementary school provides important academic and community services in the City of Binghamton. As a school that has some of the highest prevalence rates of child poverty in Broome County and significantly outdated building infrastructure, resource investments are essential for our students and teachers to succeed,” said Senator Lea Webb. “When children are excited to go to school and feel safe in their building, they are more focused and have a better educational experience. This project has been one of my top priorities since serving in the Senate. My gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Stewart Cousins, Assemblymember Lupardo, Governor Hochul, and our community advocates for helping to make this investment a reality. I look forward to seeing this exciting new project finally come to fruition.”
“Today’s groundbreaking marks the culmination of years of advocacy and collaboration on behalf of the students, families, and staff at Roosevelt Elementary,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “This project will renovate and modernize a vitally important community hub on Binghamton’s North Side, providing a high quality learning environment for all who attend. I’d like to thank Senator Webb for her partnership on behalf of the children who attend Roosevelt, along with the Binghamton City School District and numerous community members for always believing in this school.”
The need for renovations goes beyond just creating a 21st Century learning environment. In addition to educating 340 students, the school is a resource for residents throughout the north and east sides of Binghamton where many families have limited access to important services such as its many free meal programs and the UHS health clinic that operates at the school.
Staff and most students will be temporarily relocated to other schools within the district for the 2026-2027 school year. Construction is expected to be complete and the renovated school reopened during the 2027-2028 school year.