Referendum Vote: Tuesday, Oct. 16
Watch a short video to learn more
about the PROPOSED Capital Construction project
On Tuesday, October 16, Guilderland Central School District residents will head to the polls to decide on a $42.7 million capital construction project. If approved by voters, the project will address necessary improvements to enhance the safety and security of district buildings and grounds, make learning environments healthier and more comfortable, and modernize learning spaces.
The $42,718,100 proposition calls for upgrades to aging infrastructure in the district’s seven school buildings and improvements for safety, security and technology systems district-wide.
Safe and secure
- $21,192,994 devoted to safety and security improvements centered around fire alarm, PA and telephone system replacements, added security cameras and shatter-resistant film; as well as plumbing upgrades and interior, exterior and site upgrades throughout the district’s seven school buildings
Healthy and comfortable
- $9,403,851 for renovations to heating and ventilation and window replacement throughout the district’s seven school buildings.
Future-ready
- $12,121,255 for technology infrastructure and program upgrades to enhance instructional opportunities for students, such as science and technology lab modernization, reconfigurable mobile classroom furniture and wireless infrastructure upgrades
Timeline
Beginning in March 2018, a committee of students, teachers, support staff, parents, administrators and community members worked with a team of architects and engineers to develop a proposal to address some important needs of all seven of our school buildings, transportation and maintenance buildings.
At the August 14 board meeting, the Board of Education voted to adopt the recommendation of the committee. If approved by the community in October, construction will begin in the Spring of 2020.
For district residents owning a home or property with an assessed value of $326,000 (the median full value assessment in the Town of Guilderland), the estimated tax increase per year for the proposed projects based on current information is: $103 ($0.315 cents/$1,000 assessed full value)
INFOGRAPHIC: What is a school capital construction project?
Just like a home, school facilities need regular attention and upkeep to continue to operate year after year as originally intended. The cost of keeping up with the daily wear and tear caused by thousands of students, staff and visitors can rise above what the annual school budget can support. Capital improvement projects are a way for school districts to access state aid to complete a larger amount of facilities work than possible within the scope of the annual school budget. Check out the infographic (above) for a breakdown of GCSD’s proposed project, by-the-numbers.