The Monticello Central School District officially broke ground on a $31.8 million capital improvement project Monday afternoon.

The project was approved by voters back in May 2024, which will be a complete gut renovation to the Ed Kennedy Field.

The former six-lane track will be expanded to become an eight-lane track. This project will also see the construction of a brand-new Panther Stadium that will include a thousand-seat grandstand with a concession.

This project will also include sod updates at St. John Street as well as window replacements at the High School.

Speaking of school improvements, the Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School will see the change of storefront classrooms.

“Right now it’s kind of open, and it’s single-pane glass,” explained District Public Information Officer Courtney Bonfante. “We’re changing it to [have] fire-resistant doors and more storage. [We’re also] redoing the floors and the ceilings.”

Bonfante notes that the main project will be the big “wow factor” that drivers will see from the road.

“The old track was completely uneven and there were patchwork repairs and everything,” stated Bonfante. “It’s going to be a huge improvement.”

While not set in stone, the entire project is expected to be done by June 2026.

When the project is done, it is also anticipated that graduations will be able to happen there.

“This is something that, a year ago, the voters of the community approved. Today is a milestone in fulfilling that promise for future generations of Monticello Panthers,” stated Superintendent Matthew Evans. “We’re so happy about this and glad it’s finally coming to fruition.”

“I’m very thankful to the community for approving the project, and we look forward to it,” stated Monticello School Board President Tim Crumley.