Voters in the Scotia-Glenville Central School District came out in favor of a building project that will bring many structural and housekeeping improvements to all six schools. Taxpayers voted 1,119-to-902 to approve a capital project that will replace school roofs, fix the deteriorated six-lane track and bring a much needed upgrade to the district’s technology system.
Late last fall, district residents voted against a building project proposal that included major building improvements, an artificial turf field and solar panels. Last night’s scaled back proposal received a much more favorable response.
Board President Margaret Smith said she hoped the district would see how much the board worked to put together a project that residents would be comfortable with while still meeting the needs of the district in terms of needed improvements.
We felt good about what we were presenting to the public, said Smith.
The overall $46.65 million budget was passed 1,253-to-785. Also decided was a bus-purchase proposal that passed 1,119-to-902. The transportation department will receive five new buses that will allow them to replace aging vehicles with more than 100,000 miles on each of them. The five-year plan will allow the district to borrow $475,000 to replace the buses.
Voters also approved a $2.5 million project that will bring a complete expansion and renovation to the middle school library. The extra 2,300 square feet will add classrooms and computer space, expand hallways and improve accessibility.
All of the projects, including the budget, will result in close to no tax impact for the average village and town homeowner. The exact rate has not been set, however, the district said it should be close to less than 0.5 percent. Communications director for the district Robert Hanlon said school officials are happy that the budget and propositions passed.
`The EXCEL money will go toward the building project and the stimulus money will also play a part in keeping the tax impact minimal,` said Hanlon.
In order to keep the tax rate low, the district plans to not fill some positions left vacant by retiring teachers. Cuts will be seen in part-time positions in English, science, mathematics, social studies, foreign language and art.
One major change will be the implementation of full-day kindergarten, which was adopted by the board in the fall pending budget approval.
Board Vice President Gary Normington and board member John Yaglieski ran unopposed last night. Normington received 1,426 votes in favor and Yaglieski relieved 1,410.
The next step for the district is to meet with architects to begin designing the new six-lane track and middle school library.“