“To the point with other districts in our County taking a lead, why don’t we?” Hickey said. This statement was met with a raucous applause from Veterans in the audience.
Veteran Steve Massee from West Hurley encouraged the board to vote on the resolution because it was, “the right thing to do,” and would have “minimal” impact on the taxpayer. “Wartime Veterans, unlike any other segment of society make sacrifices that most citizens would find intolerable,” he said.
Shokan resident and Vietnam Veteran Roy Coutinho explained that Vietnam Vets never received much in the way of Federal Government benefits. “But coming into the town of Olive and to be recognized and get the tax exemption that came from the county, which is about the same as what is being proposed now, really makes a difference to me. I really appreciate it and I want you to know, I’m grateful for it.” He also believes it could attract, “young military returning, to bring the young ones into the community.”
Budget, capital projects
Voters may be asked this spring to allow Onteora to spend $5 million on capital projects, amounting to repairs and upgrades in the district. The money is already in the district’s coffers, but voter approval is needed to spend it.
Currently, proposed estimates of $6.7 million for building repairs are in hand, with 31 percent state aid lowering the district contribution to the $5 million mark.
“The bulk of the projects are at the Middle/High School and involve converting the boiler from steam to hot water,” said McLaren.
According to Building and Grounds director Jared Mance, the heating system is 60 years old and constantly breaking down resulting in a budget drain. Additional needed work can be found throughout all the buildings including the brick façade, asphalt and roof repair, and the Phoenicia Primary School is in need of a new boiler.
Based on a five-year report from Mosaic Associates, the overall cost to fix problems with the four school buildings and the bus garage is estimated at $13.5 million. School officials and the board of education have been working in piecemeal segments as State money, grants and performance contracts become available. In May 2013 voters freed up nearly $2 million in reserves for repairs at the Middle/High School, and the two primary schools. Included in this group of repairs are upgrades to electric equipment, emergency lighting, fixed sidewalks and entranceways. This work will be completed by the summer of 2014.
School officials continue to tweak the 2014/2015-district budget as more information comes in. The most recent budget proposal comes from BOCES projected at $3.235 million, up from $3.1 million. This is subject to change due to student special education needs. Currently the proposed district budget of $52 million shows a proposed increase of $815,617 or 1.58 percent.
Snow Days
Most school districts in the area have taken more snow days than allotted and as a result students must make up the time during spring break. Onteora is no exception with nine days used versus an allowed seven days. Two days so far have been cut into spring break, April 14 and 15. Winter and snow is not over, however. Stay tuned for the possibility of more snow days.
