Warwick Valley’s $14.9 million capital improvement and turf fields referendum vote is Dec. 18
Warwick. School officials say the proposal will have no tax impact to residents.
| 06 Dec 2019 | 02:18
Warwick Valley School District voters will be deciding on a proposed $14.9 million capital improvement project on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Officials said the proposal carries no additional tax burden for residents and would fund high-need projects prioritized by the Board of Education, including infrastructure improvements at three of the district’s schools, the renovation of the high school auditorium and the modernization of athletic facilities.
Funding sources
If approved, district officials estimate that 63.8 percent, or $9.5 million, of the project would be funded by state building aid which was established to encourage communities to maintain their schools.
To pay for the remaining 36.2 percent, or $5.4 million, of the proposed project, the district would use funds set aside in its capital reserve.
“This building proposal represents months of rigorous deliberation by our Board of Education and facilities committee, as well as ongoing feedback from parents, students and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Leach. “As school leaders and educators, we are pleased to propose a plan that is visionary for our students and community and mindful of our taxpayers.”
What would be done
Officials said the proposed capital improvement work would address three major areas of need:
- Infrastructure projects at Park Avenue and Sanfordville elementary schools and the high school. The proposed improvements were identified as high priority by the facilities committee of the Board of Education and discussed with district leaders and architects.
- Renovation of the Warwick Valley High School auditorium.
- Modernization of two athletic facilities, including the replacement of two grass fields with multi-sport turf fields at the Sanfordville.
- Elementary and high school campuses, installation of accessible outdoor restrooms at both locations, and replacement of the high school track.
“Our board members’ measured consideration of our building needs and our desire to amplify student opportunities was supported by the feedback of many community members who offered their unique perspectives to district leaders,” added Board President Sharon Davis.
If approved, the proposed work would begin in the fall of 2020.
FYI
A newsletter was mailed to voters the week of Dec. 3, providing detailed information on the vote. The same information is available on the district’s website: www.warwickvalleyschools.com
Editor's note: An extended discussion about the proposed turf fields took place at Monday's Warwick Valley School Board. Read reporter Abby Wolf's report online at warwickadvertiser.com.
Referendum at a glance
Proposed project total: $14.9 million
Impact on local property tax: $0
Portion paid by state: 63.8 percent or $9.5 million
Portion paid by capital reserve funds: 36.2 percent or $5.4 million
Voters will go to the polls on Wed. , Dec. 18, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at these polling locations:
· Election District 1 Pine Island Fire Department
· Election District 2 Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center (Middle School addition)
· Election District 3 Kings Elementary School Building
Behind the numbers
Proposed project work and costs (information from WVSD website and mailer):
Infrastructure projects at elementary schools and high school
Sections of the High School’s foam roof have blistered due to leakage. They would be replaced by built-up roofing;
High School auditorium renovation — $1,780,000
High School roof — $1,425,000
High School AC/chiller replacements (two) — $579,000
Sanfordville boiler replacement — $326,000
Sanfordville AC/chiller replacement — $439,000
Park Avenue window replacements — $973,000
Park Avenue media center renovation — $90,000
Total cost of infrastructure projects — $5,612,000
Modernization of athletic facilities
A. High School track and field
C.A. Morgan Football Field: Replacement of natural grass field (within track) with a multi-sport artificial turf field lined for football, soccer and lacrosse — $4,495,875
Replacement of the existing 6-lane track (built in 1987) with an 8-lane track — $812,884
Installment of steeplechase, pole vault, triple jump, and high jump facilities — $543,585
Installment of additional lighting — $177,442
Installment of accessible outdoor restrooms — $730,000
New scoreboard — $71,214
Total cost of High School athletic projects — $6,831,000
B. Sanfordville field
Replacement of natural grass field (lower field) with a multi-sport artificial turf field lined for soccer, lacrosse and softball — $1,353,786
Installment of accessible outdoor restrooms — $439,000
Upgrading field lighting to LED — $593,000
New scoreboard — $71,214
Total cost of Sanfordville’s athletic projects — $2,457,000
Total capital project costs — $14,900,000