An extensive facilities upgrade plan will be going ahead after Ballston Spa School District voters approved an $8.9 million referendum to fund the second phase of renovations to multiple district buildings.
The bond, which passed by an approximately two-to-one margin with 69 percent of voters supporting it, will translate into a projected tax increase of $3.35 on a home assessed at $220,000 and will begin in 2016.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the school community as we continue to renovate our district wide facilities”, said Superintendent Joseph Dragone in a statement. “We are anxiously looking forward to beginning the Phase Two projects as soon as the necessary approvals are secured.”
In January 2010, a Facilities Planning Team of more than 40 community members made prioritized recommendations to the Board of Education that included significant renovations and new construction, beginning with health, safety and infrastructure items.
Phase One of the proposed renovations was approved by voters in October of 2010. At that time, the decision was made to replace the Milton Terrace South building. Construction began in March of 2012.
Other construction will include improvements to the building structure, mechanical systems, electrical systems, building interiors and related site improvements at the Malta Avenue Elementary school and work at the Milton Terrace North Elementary School.
Phase Two will involve upgrades at Wood Road Elementary School, including the repair and upgrade of boilers and mechanical and electrical systems and the renovation of bathrooms for handicapped accessibility.
The projected final cost for the whole suite of renovations and construction recommended by the committee is approximately $13.7 million.
