The East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education unanimously approved a $39.7 million capital project to go before voters on the May 16 budget vote and board election ballot. The proposed capital project would replace aging systems as well as improve safety and health, instructional space and upgrade technology in all school buildings.
Goff’s current TV studio.
The capital project will have no additional local tax impact. State building aid will cover $27,258,299 of the cost and return to the local community some of the taxes it pays to the state. The remaining balance of $12,537,743 is the local share of the cost, but the project will be tax neutral due to the retirement of district debt.
“Our schools are well maintained and have served the community well for many years. Due to aging, however, the schools require replacement of some systems that are approaching their lifespan,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons.
“In addition to replacing aging systems such as heating and plumbing, the educational spaces for such programs as science and technology require modernization to ensure teachers can deliver the curriculum to our students which is needed for 21st century skills,” he said.
Paving is needed at all schools, the Transportation Center and Buildings and Grounds.
The capital project includes work such as plumbing, heating and ventilation; windows and doors; fire and carbon dioxide detection systems; security cameras at all buildings; renovated science and technology classrooms; elementary gymnasium floors; district-wide phone system; masonry repairs and re-paving of parking lots.
“As good stewards of the district’s resources, the Board of Education will minimize the impact of this school construction project on the local taxpayers, through maximizing the availability of state building aid,” Mr. Simons said.
If approved by voters in May, construction would be done during the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2020. East Greenbush CSD would be reimbursed by the state for 72.1% of eligible work.
The proposed capital project’s tax impact is listed below:
- No Impact in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019
- 1.6% of Tax Levy in 2019-2020 (approximately $83.52/year or $1.61/week on a house assessed at $300,000)
- 2.7% of Tax Levy in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022
- 2.5% of Tax Levy from 2022-2023 to 2036-2037
- The savings from retiring bonds (debt obligations) should cover the net impact of this proposed project. Therefore, there will be no additional tax impact.
The district will be holding public presentations during the next few months. Any community organizations interested in hosting a presentation should contact Public Information Specialist Mark Adam at adamma@egcsd.org or 207-2532.
Resources