Residents that live within the South Colonie Central School District voted at polls throughout the district today (Thursday, Oct. 23) to induct seven new school buses into their existing fleet, but did not vote in favor of the construction of a new press box at Colonie Central High School, to replace the existing one that does not meet safety standards.
According to Director of Communications for the South Colonie Central School District John Noetzel, the votes were as follows:
Buses: 893 yes, 868 no
Press Box: 805 yes, 929 no
After the current press box was inspected by New York State officials, the press box was initially deemed unable to be used. District officials managed to extend their ability to use the box until November 22, however, after that date, use of the press box will be strictly prohibited.
The new press box would have cost about $149,000. The district had set aside funds that would pay for the press box during last year’s budget, however, according to Noetzel, the construction of the new press box needed to come to a public vote due to state regulations about new construction.
Noetzel also said the district could have chosen to refurbish the current building, but from a cost-savings perspective, had decided to move forward with plans for a total reconstruction. Now that the vote has failed, Noetzel said the district will continue to pursue that, and other options.
For more on this story, check back at www.spotlightnews.com, or read the Wednesday, Oct. 29 print edition of the Colonie Spotlight.
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