Education for Everyone—Fostering a Brighter Future with Elba CSD

In the town of Elba, NY, school isn’t just where students go to learn—it’s where the community grows and finds its identity. For over 25 years, CPL has joined forces with the Elba Central School District to shape that heartbeat, one project at a time.

As we look back on five decades of design excellence, our collaboration stands as a testament to what’s possible when a design partner becomes part of the urban fabric. Together, we’ve refreshed beloved spaces and envisioned new ones to nurture students in every dimension of their growth.

Where IT All Began

What started in the 1990s as a mission to modernize Elba’s aging school facilities quickly grew into something much more: a roadmap for the district’s future.

Our early work led to a series of meaningful enhancements that effectively doubled the campus footprint. Additions included five new elementary classrooms—complete with an agricultural technology (ag-tech) unit and nearby transportation offices—along with new boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, an adaptive P.E. station and a library that became a centerpiece of daily life.

Over the years, many projects were completed, but none as impactful as the 850-seat auditorium at the Junior/Senior High School, which has since evolved into a local culture hub.

“When I brought the Class of 1975 in for an alumni tour, they were stunned,” Rosales recalled. “The Rochester City Ballet performs here often; that tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the design. It’s stood the test of time.”

From Outdated to Outstanding

Today, CPL and Elba are undertaking our most ambitious effort yet: a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), backed by overwhelming community buy-in with a 95–22 vote. More than a facilities expansion, the project represents a fundamental shift in thinking, exploring how existing spaces can better serve students through creative reconfiguration for minimal taxpayer cost.

“Our buildings have been updated in the past, and now we’re getting our programmatic offerings up to speed,” Rosales said. “We sat down with CPL and said, ‘Here’s what we want for our kids—how can we make it happen?’”

That conversation sparked a comprehensive plan that elevates learning across all grades while staying true to Elba’s close-knit identity. For example, a highly anticipated Career & Technical Education (CTE) wing will unite ag-tech, digital media, student trades and building maintenance programs under one roof. To achieve this, an old tech shop, CAD lab and outdated art classroom will be converted into a cohesive learning zone anchored by a service bay with a lift for small engine work.

“The program has already earned state approval, so once complete, our students will be able to earn CTE credentials right on campus,” Rosales explained. “We’ll be preparing them for the workforce from their own backyard.”

The district’s high school art room is being relocated adjacent to its elementary counterpart, allowing both to share resources.

The CIP additionally reinvents libraries to meet emerging needs. At the elementary level, students will enjoy cozy reading zones and a whimsical tree sculpture with twinkling lights, sparking imagination and joy.

Likewise, the former high school weight room is being transformed into a library for grades 7–12, complete with soft seating, flexible workstations and integrated technology. Modeled after higher education institutions, its aim is to help students and visitors build independence, focus and time management skills.

Other key components include a fitness hub that will be open to the public after hours; updated staff offices; improvements for the gymnasium; and safer campus circulation with intuitive drop-off loops.

Designed for Elba, Built for All

While experiential learning was a cornerstone of the CIP, public use was never an afterthought. From day one, we worked closely with district leadership to ensure spaces will support the community at large.

Multi-sport courts were initially conceived as tennis courts, but rebranded for a more dynamic purpose based on resident feedback. With space for pickleball, baseball warmups, recess and other events, they’ll accommodate everything from P.E. classes to neighborhood gatherings.

“It was important to make sure every person in the district—from parents to UPK teachers—could see themselves in this project,” Rosales said. “We helped them do just that through public forums and surveys.”

This commitment to inclusive, future-ready design extends past Elba. Last year, Rosales joined CPL Associate Principal Kory Hunsinger, AIA, to co-present at EdSpaces, a national conference driving the future of learning environments.

“The experience changed the way I think about design,” Rosales reflected. “We saw firsthand how furniture, layout and acoustics can influence academic outcomes—and we’re excited to implement those ideas through, and beyond, this project.”

REIMAGINING WHAT’S POSSIBLE

Nearly three decades in, our partnership is stronger than ever, and as construction progresses, one thing remains clear: this work isn’t just about buildings. It’s about bolstering local ties and paving new pathways for growth. By designing classrooms that inspire, empower and endure, we’re not only supporting students and educators, but uplifting an entire community for generations to come.