NEW CITY, NY — The Clarkstown Central School District (CCSD) Board of Education has announced a $110 million bond proposal set to go to a community vote on October 8, 2024. The bond, which is designed to be tax-neutral, aims to fund significant upgrades across all nine elementary schools in the district and the Birchwood School in West Nyack without increasing local taxes.
This ambitious proposal addresses the need for essential facility upgrades, including the replacement of outdated electrical systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, windows, and flooring. Many of these systems and infrastructure elements have exceeded their life expectancy, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Superintendent of Schools Marc Baiocco, Ed.D., emphasized the importance of timing in the project, noting that the district’s strategic planning would allow them to undertake these essential improvements while retiring existing debt. This approach, combined with the utilization of State building aid, ensures that the project will not require additional tax revenue.
“The timing of this capital project is key as we retire debt and look to finance the improvements by maximizing the availability of State building aid,” Baiocco stated. “This project looks to the future, continuing to provide safe, healthy learning environments for our students with no additional tax impact on our residents.”
The proposed upgrades are critical to maintaining a conducive learning environment, as fresh air and stable classroom temperatures directly affect student performance and well-being. The Board of Education, in collaboration with the CCSD’s Department of Fiscal Management, has carefully planned the bond timing to coincide with the expiration of existing debt, allowing for the continuation of necessary improvements without imposing additional financial burdens on taxpayers.
If the bond is approved, construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2026 and expected to be completed by the summer of 2031. The project will be executed in stages, with initial phases focusing on electrical and infrastructure upgrades, followed by HVAC, flooring, and window renovations.
A subsequent phase of the project is anticipated to address improvements at Felix Festa Middle School, Clarkstown High School North, and Clarkstown High School South.
The vote on October 8 will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at several locations, including the Street Community Center in New City, the Congers Community Center, the Chestnut Grove Administration Center, and the Clarkstown Reformed Church in West Nyack.
For further details on the bond proposal and voting locations, residents are encouraged to visit the district’s website at ccsd.edu.