The future is bright for Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in Binghamton, which at one time faced a potential closure.

"We have spent time on the streets talking to these families, speaking to these children. We know how important the school is as an anchor,” Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said.

It was a day more than two years in the making.

Gov. Kathy Hochul allowed the Binghamton City School District to access 10 years of funding up front for one of its oldest elementary schools. A move like that is typically reserved for much larger districts, and while she originally vetoed the move, the recent budget is allowing access to over $50 million for repairs and renovation.

"Theodore Roosevelt is a center for community engagement. We have a resource of a mental and physical health clinic presence here on the campus," Binghamton district Superintendent Tonia Thompson said. "We also collaborate with many community partners to make events and engagement happen here. So very excited to see that that continuing to happen.”

If the advance funding wasn’t provided, school officials say a 4-5-year plan could take up to 25 years to complete.

This would likely force students to attend other schools, when transportation is already a challenge.

A day like today was a welcome sign for parents.

"For one, this is the only elementary school located on the north side of Binghamton, which is the only elementary option for children," said Michael Cooper Sr., a student advocate at the school. "We don't have any other elementaries. There's a lot to offer here at Roosevelt, taking us away from us would be bad."