Why vote “YES” to the Sep 25th School Referendum |
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The Niagara Falls School Board is holding a referendum on September 25 when voters decide whether to approve a $68 million capital improvement project. Voters have to approve the measure by a 60 percent “super-majority” because bonds must be issued to undertake the project. If voters approve, the district will borrow the money then, because the district qualifies as “high needs,” upon completion of each phase of the work, New York State will reimburse the district 100 percent. In other words, a “yes” vote means New York State pays to fix local schools. Why are we undertaking these projects? The capital improvement projects will allow schools to provide a better environment for students—more secure schools that are handicapped accessible for students with disabilities and that operate with greater energy efficiency. It will also allow for the creation of science labs that will help students have hands-on experiences in science, math, engineering, and technology instead of just reading information about these subjects in textbooks. What is involved with the athletic fields? Installing artificial turf on the football, soccer, tennis, and baseball fields will reduce maintenance costs and at the same time provide safer playing surfaces for the students. Also, building a field house with a concession stand and bathroom facilities will provide the hundreds of parents and community members using the fields or watching their children play better accommodations on site. School districts are starting to move in this direction, and with the Greenway funds, we can do it at no cost to local taxpayers.
We receive a reimbursement rate from the State of 98% on approved capital projects, which means that for every dollar we spend, the State reimburses us 98 cents. We can also cover the remaining 2% of expenses by using funds the State already committed to the school district. That 2% is from a fund called EXCEL and it can only be used for capital projects. So in essence, this entire capital project is already 100% funded through the State; we just need public approval to move forward. Does the State reimbursement funding include the athletic fields? No, but we are able to fund the fields through the New York State Power Authority relicensing money called Greenway Funds. This money is already guaranteed to us, as a Host Community, for the next 45 years as part of the agreement between the Power Authority and the Host Communities when relicensing was sought several years ago. Yes. It’s like anything else you’re responsible for—there’s upkeep, updates, changes in technology that have to be brought in. The suburban districts can do these types of things by just raising taxes; we can’t do that here. We have a responsibility to provide financial economy to the taxpayer, but also equity for our students—we all have that responsibility.
Carmelette Rotella How long would the projects take? It would take a few years to get everything done, say four or five years. That’s good news for people who make a living doing construction work. This project will not only benefit our students, but it will have a substantial impact on the trades and workers who will make these improvements to our schools and facilities.
No. No students or staff will be relocated to other locations during these projects. Work that involves the interior of schools will be scheduled during the summer months. Also, double shifts will be encouraged so that use of the summer months will be optimal.
It really is. There is a window here that gives us an opportunity to make some meaningful and needed changes that will benefit our students and the whole community. Lots of other districts across the State have already acted; we need to take care of these projects while we can.
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Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | Sep 11 , 2012 |