Voters to consider $22.6 million capital project — no tax increase to residents
Spencer-Van Etten Central School District residents will have the opportunity to vote on Tuesday, Dec. 9, on a proposed $22.6 million capital improvement project that addresses safety, space and infrastructure needs across the district —with no tax increase to residents.
“This project reflects our continued commitment to ensuring every student learns in an environment that is safe, modern and supportive of their success,” said Superintendent of Schools Barbara J. Case. “It aligns directly with our strategic plan and our shared goal of enhancing the student experience across all grade levels.”
The proposal was shaped by community-wide feedback collected through an exit poll at the May budget vote, surveys distributed to parents, employees, students and community members and the district’s most recent Building Condition Survey, which identifies districtwide issues such as structural failure, deterioration, and probable useful life.
From that research, the district put together a proposal that includes improvements to the high school, middle school, elementary school and transportation building. Planned work includes interior and exterior renovations; pavement, mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades; and new furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
At the high school, the project would include construction of a new 2.5-acre multipurpose synthetic turf field in the existing athletic terrace, additional paving, drainage and signage improvements, track resurfacing, courtyard upgrades, a vehicular stream crossing, a new maintenance storage building and a dedicated concession space under an existing building overhang. The proposal also includes a variety of structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades and repairs throughout the building.
At the middle school, work would include new rubber surfacing for playground areas, reconstruction of the basketball court and structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements.
At the elementary school, upgrades would include two new playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, a new basketball court, improved lighting, fuel storage and courtyard enhancements, as well as other building system improvements.
The transportation facility would receive fencing, pavement and exterior lighting upgrades in addition to structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. Together, these improvements will ensure district facilities remain safe, efficient and equipped to support current and future student learning needs.
The project would be funded through a combination of New York State Building Aid and existing capital reserves, allowing the district to move forward without raising taxes. Funding sources include $2,593,596 from the 2020 Capital Reserve, up to $1,906,404 from the 2024 Capital Reserve (total of $4.5M). This reduces the amount borrowed to $18,096,600. This borrowed amount would be paid for with $17,346,600 state building aid and $750,000 from the Debt Service Fund.
“This financial approach reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term investment in student learning,” Case said. “The projects included in the proposal represent a thoughtful, long-term investment in the safety, functionality and educational quality of district schools — with no tax increase to our residents.”
No Tax Increase for $22.6 Million Capital Project
The proposed $22.6 million capital improvement project that taxpayers will vote on Dec. 9 would result in no additional tax increase for Spencer-Van Etten residents.
“As a result of thoughtful financial management and long-term planning, we are in a position to propose vital facility upgrades—improving safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency—without increasing the tax burden on our residents,” School Business Administrator Debra Eichholtz said. “This proposal directly aligns with our strategic plan in that it calls for us to continue infrastructure improvements based on data, including the results of our most recent Building Condition Survey.”
A Building Condition Survey (BCS) is a state-required study that assesses school buildings’ physical condition and identifies needed repairs. Just like a home, school facilities require regular maintenance and upgrades to continue serving students safely and effectively, and over time, the cost of addressing normal wear and tear can exceed what is feasible within the annual school budget.
A benefit of a capital improvement project is that it allows districts to access state building aid to complete a greater amount of work than what would be possible through yearly funding alone. Each district has a unique state building aid ratio that determines how much of every dollar spent on a capital project is reimbursed by the state. Spencer-Van Etten’s building aid reimbursement of 86.1% would allow the district to recover the majority of eligible project costs, minimizing the local share.
Funding for the proposed project would come from a combination of state building aid, existing capital reserves, and bonds reimbursed by the state. Specifically, the district would use about $2,593,596 from the 2020 Capital Reserve and up to $1,906,404 from the 2024 Capital Reserve, with the remaining $18,096,600 financed through bonds covered by state aid. In addition, the district plans to use $750,000 from its Debt Service Fund to help pay for the principal and interest payments to provide a $0 tax impact project.
“By reviewing our BCS and being proactive in keeping our facilities in good shape, we hope to avoid costly emergency repairs, for which we would not receive state aid,” Eichholtz said. “Proposing a capital project allows us to strategically plan how to maximize state aid and minimize the financial impact on our community.”