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Binghamton City School District is moving forward with a $56 million capital project to completely rebuild Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, a critical North Side facility serving 355 students in grades K-6. According to Press & Sun-Bulletin, published January 5, 2026, construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with the new two-story facility opening in the 2027-2028 school year. The project represents a major investment in elementary education infrastructure and student learning environments across Binghamton.
Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School currently operates in a building that no longer meets modern educational standards. With 355 students in 22 classrooms, the facility is significantly undersized—the current classroom square footage falls below recommended educational standards set by the New York State Education Department.
As the only primary school serving the North Side of Binghamton, Theodore Roosevelt serves a vital community function. Approximately 50% of current students rely on school transportation or walk to school, indicating the school's role as a critical neighborhood anchor.
The $56 million capital project received strong community approval when Binghamton residents voted on the proposal in December 2024. This investment demonstrates the district's commitment to modernizing aging school buildings and improving student learning conditions.
The rebuilt Theodore Roosevelt Elementary will be a modern, two-story facility with significantly improved:
Fall 2026 through 2028: During the construction phase, Theodore Roosevelt students and staff will temporarily relocate to other elementary schools within the district. This phased transition approach minimizes disruption while allowing construction to proceed.
Binghamton City School District Superintendent Tonia Thompson explained during the December 16 school board meeting that the district went through a "lengthy process" to plan student transitions and develop a new district-wide elementary school attendance plan. The phased approach ensures all 355 students can continue their education in stable, appropriate learning environments.
2027-2028 School Year: The new Theodore Roosevelt Elementary opens, welcoming students back to a modernized facility with expanded capacity and improved learning conditions.
The Theodore Roosevelt rebuild has given the Binghamton City School District the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of elementary school boundaries across the district. Superintendent Thompson described this as a chance to "develop a long-term plan for all Binghamton elementary schools."
New elementary school attendance boundaries will take effect beginning the 2028-29 academic year—after the new Theodore Roosevelt opens. The new zones will impact students attending:
The district established specific objectives when remapping attendance zones:
Like many districts across New York State, Binghamton operates several school buildings constructed decades ago. The Theodore Roosevelt rebuild represents critical investment in facilities that directly support student learning and teacher effectiveness. Modernized classrooms, updated technology infrastructure, and improved support spaces enhance educational outcomes.
Theodore Roosevelt serves as a community anchor on Binghamton's North Side. A modern, well-maintained school building attracts families, supports neighborhood property values, and demonstrates municipal commitment to community vitality. The $56 million investment signals confidence in North Side revitalization.
By rebuilding an undersized, outdated facility into a modern learning center, the district addresses equity concerns. Students at Theodore Roosevelt will benefit from classrooms, technology, and support spaces comparable to students at any other district school—improving educational access and opportunity.
The district's planned approach—rebuilding Theodore Roosevelt while developing district-wide attendance boundaries—demonstrates sophisticated capital planning. Rather than managing single-building renovations in isolation, Binghamton is using the opportunity to optimize district-wide elementary operations and resource allocation.
When construction begins in fall 2026, Theodore Roosevelt students and staff will move to other district elementary schools. Special education programs currently at Roosevelt will temporarily relocate to Benjamin Franklin Elementary.
The district coordinated this planning to ensure:
Superintendent Thompson noted that detailed written communications would go to families after winter break 2026. The district also planned welcoming events at hosting schools during summer 2026 to help families and students feel comfortable with temporary transitions.
Transportation details were planned for late May or early June 2026, with letters providing "imperative" information about bus routes and schedules for the 2026-27 school year.
The Theodore Roosevelt Elementary rebuild represents one of Binghamton's most significant educational facility investments in recent years. With construction beginning fall 2026 and the new facility opening in 2027-2028, students will benefit from a modern, code-compliant, well-designed learning environment. Concurrent district-wide attendance zone improvements ensure the broader elementary system operates efficiently and equitably.
Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group brings extensive experience managing K-12 educational facility construction across Upstate New York. From design-build approaches to complex school renovations and new construction, WCG works with districts to deliver projects on time and budget while maintaining educational continuity. Contact WCG: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com
Related articles: New York School Construction and Educational Facility Projects | Upstate NY School District Capital Projects
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