Superintendent's Message
Click here to download the proposed Capital Improvement Project newsletter
View a PowerPoint presentation about the proposed Capital Improvement Project
Dear District Residents:
Following considerable discussion, study and review of projected maintenance/repair items and upgrade
needs to our school buildings, the Board of Education respectfully requests your consideration of a $17.5 million Energy, Technology and Facility Capital Project. The rationale for this project is twofold: special
available funding (EXCEL) for the District should relieve any initial tax burden for our residents and the
needed energy improvements will reduce future heating and lighting costs for years to come.
Please review the itemized project lists for each of our buildings. As you may or may not be aware, the boilers in our buildings are original heating systems. At both Saranac and Morrisonville, the systems are close to 50 years old. Daily maintenance costs and highly inefficient equipment demand replacement.
The special funding is titled Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning (EXCEL) and Saranac’s allotted share is $583,878. Utilizing this amount to offset taxpayers’ immediate obligation and combining the District’s aid ratio of 90% determined the scope and magnitude of this project. In this manner, the District can achieve needed repairs and upgrades without adding any immediate additional debt burden to our residents.
This however does not imply that the project is free since our school debt will be extended over a fifteen year period. The proposed capital project will address key items identified in the Capital Facilities Five Year Plan including: energy and renovation site improvements at Saranac Elementary School, Morrisonville Elementary School, Saranac Middle/High School, Bus Garage and Bus/Maintenance building; mechanical and electrical upgrades resulting in energy savings in all aforementioned buildings; District –wide technology improvements to enhance the security of our buildings and the safety of our students and staff as well as to better meet our student education needs; and a 3,000 square foot addition to Saranac Elementary.
The small addition is identified to meet future program needs and to accommodate District office personnel in the event the current building is sold. Additionally, this District office relocation will reduce future District maintenance, electrical and heating costs for our taxpayers.
Much thought, planning and deliberation has gone into this proposed capital project. The presentation of a project in this economy was not done without a great deal of discussion. It is the opinion of the school board and administration that this proposal is in the best interests of the students and taxpayers to do it now, when we can take advantage of the additional state funds to mitigate the local tax impact instead of being forced to make necessary repairs and replacements using local dollars from the annual operating budget.
We encourage you to review the information in this brochure and to also attend the public information meeting on January 28, 2010. If you have specific questions or comments, you may also contact the District Office at 518-565-5600 or click here to send an email message.
Sincerely,
Kenneth O. Cringle
Superintendent of Schools