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Why vote “YES” to the Sep 25th School Referendum

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.

A “no” vote means the state will not pay for repairs to the schools and local property owners will pay through property taxes.

There are more than 400 big-ticket improvements contemplated, spread over the 11 campuses, including roofs, ADA compliance, replacing inefficient HVAC systems, decent locker rooms, restrooms, ceilings, dehumidification systems for pools, asbestos removal, plumbing, alarm and communication/ PA systems, and safety upgrades.

Ironically, these repairs, if not done soon, will be likely mandated by the same New York State that is now willing to pay for it 100 percent, if voters approve.

The Reporter asked School Board members to explain the plan:

Why are we undertaking these projects?

Johnny Destino:

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?

Nick Vilardo:

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.



How will all these projects be paid for?

Jim Cancemi:

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?

Art Jocoy Jr.:

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.

You’re confident about the work that needs to be done?

Art Jocoy Jr.:

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.



If the referendum is defeated, what happens to the projects?

Carmelette Rotella

These projects will still need to done. If the vote fails, we will still have to do the work, but the work would have to be funded through the general operating budget. This sizeable expense would affect programs since we would have to pay for the projects without any reimbursement from the State. Therefore, the financial impact would be solely on the local taxpayer, and at the expense of programs and services to students.

How long would the projects take?

Robert Restaino:

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.



Would students be displaced during the work?

Don J. King:

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.



All in all, this seems like a great opportunity for the schools.

Kevin Dobbs

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.



What it means to Niagara Falls?

Russell Petrozzi

In the short-term, it means construction jobs, as well as suppliers' jobs, and stimulation for the local building economy. Long term, it means more energy efficient buildings, better maintained buildings, and also increased life expectancy of our buildings. But the most important thing to the community is it allows the upgrading of our buildings to be paid out of a capital project fund provided by the State of New York; it keeps us from paying for these upgrades out of the general fund. The bottom line is it's what's best for kids as well as our community because it will save jobs. If we had to pay out the general fund, it would probably cause higher taxes or layoffs

 

 

State Assemblyman
Ceretto issues statement
on Referendum

“These capital projects will create
much needed jobs for our local workforce, as well as improve the quality of our schools,” said Ceretto. “I honestly can’t think of a better proposal than this – a project built by local workers, for our local children and local teachers. It is a true investment in our community.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Niagara Falls Reporter www.niagarafallsreporter.com Sep 11 , 2012