2023 Capital Project

The proposed project will address the District’s most immediate facility and instructional needs. This includes updates to aging infrastructure throughout the District’s school buildings, such as boilers and fire alarm systems. The project also includes Districtwide improvements to our athletic facilities, bus garage, mechanical systems and safety and security systems.

There is no tax increase associated with this project. Debt service costs are expected to be funded by New York State building aid and by leveraging debt service schedules.

“A commitment to ongoing improvements to school facilities is essential to meet the emerging and evolving needs of our students and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian K. Bellair. “Our District and Board of Education are committed to continued and ongoing improvements that address all aspects of our facilities. While we have done extensive work in recent years, it is incumbent upon us to continually review, update, and improve our District to provide a safe, welcoming and dynamic learning environment that meets the needs of all learners. As was the case with our three most recent projects, this proposed project would have zero impact on the tax levy.”

Just like a home, school facilities need regular attention and upkeep to continue to operate year after year as originally intended.

The cost of keeping up with the daily wear and tear caused by thousands of students, staff, and visitors can rise above what the annual school budget can support.

Capital improvement projects are a way for school districts to access state aid to complete a larger amount of facilities work than possible within the scope of the annual school budget.

Every five years, school districts are required by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to complete a Building Condition Survey (BCS) for each District building. The BCS is designed for schools to partner with an architect/engineer to identify infrastructure items in need of improvement.

To guide its work for this project, the District used the data from the BCS, community surveys, student forums, as well as the District Facilities Committee and Leadership Team to determine the potential scope of this project. Based on the data reviewed and collaboration with our stakeholders, the District  identified various core categories for improvements, such as:  health, safety and security, aging infrastructure/systems, instructional spaces, and technology infrastructure.

The District Facilities Committee worked collaboratively with our financial advisor to develop a proposed project that removes any tax impact to District taxpayers. Therefore, the referendum going before voters  on February 14 will have no tax impact on community members.