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The Board of Education and the District’s Facilities, Finance and Athletics Advisory Committees have been working to formulate recommendations for Capital Projects that would update and improve the School District facilities," Brady said.
"Like other homeowners, the District needs to periodically invest in its “school home” to ensure that our buildings and grounds are safe, clean, code compliant and conducive to teaching and learning," Brady's letter said.
The School Board will vote on whether to move ahead on its planned projects and to consider whether to issue a bond to cover the costs at the June 19 Board of Education meeting.
State law requires a public vote on capital projects as well as any expenditures from the Capital Reserve Fund. A special community vote on the bond would be held this coming October.
"Because the District is simultaneously retiring debt and taking advantage of unprecedented low interest rates, there will be no significant tax increase for Dobbs Ferry residents," Brady said.
Brady's letter gave an overview of the district's Capital Projects plan.
Approximately 67 percent of the work being considered covers Facilities Infrastructure Repairs and Health and Safety Projects that include the following.
• High School/Middle School infrastructure (slate roof replacement/window replacement/third floor ceiling abatement).
• High School/Middle School health and safety (electric upgrade/ improve ventilation/AC)
• Springhurst grade school health and safety (energy recovery units/new electric/provide gas service as alternative fuel source/classroom AC and ventilation)
Up to 25 percent of the plan encompasses Athletic Facilities projects such as:
• Turf for multi-purpose field and new bleachers at Springhurst • Addition of four District/community tennis courts at Springhurst • Renovation of existing Dobbs Ferry High School turf field
Performing Arts/Auditorium and Technology and Innovation account for 8 percent of the total cost:
• Additional balcony seating in auditorium to increase capacity/asbestos abatement • Renovate HS/MS library to create collaborative learning labs/flexible work areas/additional community meeting space.
"Our goal is to use today’s favorable economic climate to make necessary repairs and renovations to our school buildings that will serve us well into the future," Brady said. "The slated Capital Projects will also allow the District to upgrade its technology infrastructure, as well as re-configure available “communal” space to make it more conducive to multiple learning options."
Residents are invited to visit the School District website to review the "2016 Capital Projects Recommendations" PowerPoint presentation from the Board’s May 22 work session (click on link in the SpotLight Section).
Those who wish to may ask Superintendent Brady specific questions via email at bradyl@dfsd.org .
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