On Dec. 9, Spencer-Van Etten Central School District residents approved a $22,596,600 capital improvement project that addresses critical safety, learning space and infrastructure needs across all district buildings — with no tax increase to residents. The proposition passed by a vote of 119 to 115, reflecting the community’s support for the district’s long-term facilities plan.
The project includes improvements at the high school, middle school, elementary school and transportation facility, such as interior and exterior renovations; mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades; new furnishings and equipment; and outdoor enhancements including new playground areas, updated courts, a new multipurpose synthetic turf field, track resurfacing and pavement upgrades. It also includes structural and accessibility improvements identified in the district’s most recent Building Condition Survey.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Spencer-Van Etten community for participating in this important vote and for your trust in our planning,” said Superintendent Barbara J. Case. “Your approval allows us to move forward with essential upgrades that will strengthen safety, improve learning environments and support our students for years to come.”
The capital project will be funded through a combination of New York State Building Aid and existing capital reserves, allowing S-VE to move forward with no additional tax impact. The district will use $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 funded through bonds reimbursed by state building aid and supplemented by the Debt Service Fund.
Proposition on the Ballot
Shall the Board of Education undertake a project consisting of the construction and reconstruction of renovations and improvements to the High School, Middle School, Elementary School and Transportation Building, including but not limited to interior and exterior improvements, pavement, mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements, all to include furnishings, fixtures and equipment, architectural/engineering fees, and all other costs incidental to such work (the “Project”) at a total estimated cost not to exceed $22,596,600 and obtain the necessary funds by using $2,593,596 from the 2020 Capital Reserve, up to $1,906,404 from the 2024 Capital Reserve and, for the balance, the levy of a tax in the amount of $18,096,600 upon the taxable property of the District to be collected in annual installments in the years and in the amounts as the Board of Education shall determine and in anticipation of such tax bonds and notes of the District are hereby authorized to be issued at one time, or from time to time, in the principal amount not to exceed $18,096,600, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said obligations when due.
Next steps include submission to NYSED for review, followed by design, bidding and construction phases over the next several years, with substantial completion expected in 2028.