On Tuesday, Jan. 13, district residents will have the opportunity to vote on a capital project bond referendum. The “Renewal” Project is intended to create improved instructional space, preserve the basic integrity of the district’s school buildings, promote energy efficiencies, and improve athletic fields and resources for the schools and community.

Instructional space improvements include the elimination of the portables at Miller Avenue Elementary and Wading River Elementary, to be replaced with classroom additions, along with replacing the seating in the High School auditorium.

Basic infrastructure improvements are focused on preserving the integrity of existing systems, with many renovations focused on energy efficiency, including heating/ventilation, roof replacement or restoration, electrical upgrades and window replacement.

Athletic resource improvements are geared to both students and community members who use our fields, gyms and tracks. Replacement of the High School tennis courts, resurfacing of the Middle School track, replacement of Middle School bleachers and replacement of the main High School athletic field with an artificial turf product are all projects designed to address current inadequacies.

Voters are being asked to consider a $48.5 million project scope. However, approximately $15 million of this work will be paid for with prior-year state aid funds, leaving the district to bond $33.5 million, which is eligible for up to 40 percent state aid. The district anticipates roughly $16 million in state aid to help defray the cost of this project.

For more information, click here to view our video and see the full scope of work and cost estimates.