The critical safety requirements and building preservation needs would still be absolutely necessary. If the referendum does not pass, these requirements would still need to be addressed ‑ but without bond authorization these needs would not be eligible for building aid reimbursement. Without the State’s aid, the funds for any required work would have to come from the annual budget, with local taxpayers bearing the full cost.

Yes, it is. The New York State Legislature has given all school districts in the state an opportunity to use tax dollars for school building repairs, improvements and renovations. This is an opportunity to keep some of those tax dollars here at Lake Shore to protect the community’s investment in its buildings and improve the educational setting for our children and the public.

Routine facility maintenance and repair work is typically funded within the annual District budget, with local taxpayers bearing the full cost. However, larger renovations, improvements, and replacements, such as those included in this project, would have a major impact on the tax rate if included within the annual District budget. A capital project bond authorization is a fiscally responsible alternative because the State reimburses much of the cost, and the expense is spread out over a longer period of time.

The total cost of the project is $59,500,000. The majority of the project’s cost will be paid using a combination of State Building Aid and other funding. The remaining “local share” will be paid from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund, which is designated specifically for capital improvements. As a result, this project will have a “tax neutral” financing plan: There will be no additional increase in the local tax levy in relation to this project.

It’s expected that State Education Department approval for the
project would be received in early 2024 with the first phase of construction work beginning that summer. It is anticipated that the majority of the work would be completed by the end of 2028.

Our District is committed to providing a safe learning environment and well-maintained facilities for students and public use. This next project in our long-range facilities plan focuses on safety, security, and infrastructure. In addition to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural priorities identified in the Building Condition Survey (BCS), the project will add air-conditioning at the High School (allowing windows to be kept safely closed and locked during the warmer months), energy efficiency improvements and cost-savings with roof top solar arrays, and athletic field upgrades to minimize maintenance requirements and maximize usability for our physical education and sports programs.

Every five years, all school districts are required by the State to have a certified architect review the condition of their buildings and grounds. In 2020, our architectural consultant performed a Building Condition Survey (BCS) that examined the District’s facilities and identified areas requiring reconstruction or replacement. The District subcommittee charged with our long-range facilities plan studied these BCS items and developed a prioritized list of recommended upgrades and replacements to be considered in the next capital project.

In addition, the subcommittee collected feedback from District- and building-level user groups to evaluate opportunities for academic program enrichment. The District is addressing the highest priority items now, rather than delaying and facing future higher costs and further deterioration.

The Lake Shore Central School District is committed to exercising care and good judgment in managing the community resources entrusted to us. We need to continue to take care of our schools, one of the most important assets owned by our community.

Just as one’s home ages and needs regular upkeep, restoration, and equipment replacements to keep it in good shape, so do our schools. Over the past several years, the District administration and Board of Education have been developing and refining a long-range facilities plan to assess current and future capital improvement needs and the means to responsibly achieve them.

During this process, critical safety upgrades and building preservation needs were identified and prioritized, as were opportunities to enrich our students’ school experience and ensure equitable opportunities.

The 2016 Capital Improvement Project, which is now nearly complete, has successfully addressed a significant portion of prioritized items. The 2023 Capital Improvement Project that is being proposed would serve as the next step in our long-range facilities plan.

Spacing out planned capital projects in this way is a cost-effective approach that allows the District to make optimal use of available state building aid to eliminate local tax impact.