Voters will decide on the May 20 ballot whether to use $7 million in already existing funds for capital projects. There will be two ballot referendums: one to release $5 million from the capital reserve and an additional $2 million from the unappropriated fund balance. The fact that this money is already on hand “means there will be no tax increase associated with these much needed improvements,” said Assistant Superintendent for Business Victoria McLaren. “And once the project is complete and reports are filed with the State, building aid will be given back to the district as another revenue source…” The funds will go toward boiler replacements at the Middle/High School and a new biomass boiler at Phoenicia; a new roof for the bus garage; replacement of asphalt paving areas, curbs, walkways and providing accessible spaces; asbestos abatement of Middle/High school corridor ceilings; renovation of restrooms; and reconstructing plumbing drainage areas.
A budget Public Hearing is scheduled for the board’s 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 meeting, and leading up to the budget vote on May 20, trustees and school officials will be meeting with community groups to present the budget and make their case on capital project propositions. There will also be a Middle/High School open house in the coming weeks.
Repairs, not replacement
In the public hearing held April 8 on whether to set aside $966,440 from a $2.8 million repair reserve for the fixing of school buildings brick façades, architect Nick Waer, from Mosaic Associates, explained what kind of building repair was needed. “I’m not sure what was going on here in the 60’s, but something was going on with the brick facades,” said Waer. “If you look at the additions done on all your buildings there are joint problems in the brick and you can see where the mortar has come out in some instances and you can also see rusting.” The masonry project will see joints repointed and sealed, or in more extreme cases, some of the brick will need to be removed, cleaned and restored. After the hearing, the board approved the money for repairs. Because this is a repair project and not a replacement project, it does not require voter approval.
SRO poll
During public commentary, Onteora Teachers Association president and Physics teacher Richard DeRuvo, along with Bennett Principal and President of Onteora Administrators Association Gabe Buono reported on an employee poll regarding a Student Resource Officer (SRO). DeRuvo said the teachers “see an SRO in the district as positive interaction with the students that is very important. They see the SRO as a fantastic resource for students in classrooms.” On the other hand, he said some negative feedback included, “not much to do on a daily basis and low chance of being in the right place at the right time.” Buono and DeRuvo both said overall employees believed having an SRO was an advantage to the school community. Money is available in the school budget for the position.
Petitions for school board seats available
April 21 is the deadline for any potential candidates who would like to run for a seat on the board of education. Three seats currently held by Dan Spencer, Ann McGullicuddy and Michael McKeon are near their terms end. Spencer said he would not seek another term. McGullicuddy and McKeon have not announced a decision on whether to run or vacate their seats. Petitions are available on-line at Onteora.k12.ny.us or at the Central office in Boiceville and require a minimum of 25 signatures from qualified voters in the district. All seats carry a three-year term from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017. Election is on Tuesday, May 20.
New job
The board approved a new position of Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations in order to assist Jared Mance. Kyle Harjes was hired effective immediately at $63,500.
