Port Jervis District Capital Projects Bond Vote Q & A

Athletics

Capital Projects Referendum
Tuesday, Dec. 12 Polls open: Noon to 9 p.m.

Answers to frequently asked Questions

Q1: Why a referendum now?
Our schools are in need of repairs, improvements and renovations due to a lack of state funding. EXCEL aid is available to offset the portion of building project expenditures not covered by state aid. The result is no new local share to our taxpayers.

Q2: What is EXCEL aid?
EXCEL (Expanding our Children’s Education & Learning) is a new state program established in June 2006 to provide additional funding for certain types of school construction projects.

Q3: What types of school construction projects qualify as eligible EXCEL projects?
    • To be eligible for EXCEL aid projects must:
    • Address health & safety issues
    • Improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities
    • Enhance technology
    • Reduce energy costs
    • Increase instructional space

Q4: How will the Capital Projects Referendum be funded?
The district will bond the $14.6 million. The cost would be covered by State Building Aid and EXCEL Aid, a new category of aid intended to cover the cost of certain repairs and improvements. The proposed referendum will NOT increase school taxes.
The funding is projected at:
     $11,602,000      State Building Aid
         2,498,000      EXCEL Aid
            500,000      Capital Reserve

Q5: If the project is funded by State Building Aid and EXCEL aid, why is an allocation of the Capital Reserve required?
The district has worked with State Education Department (SED) facilities planning staff, engineers, financial consultants, and construction managers to develop projects that would be aided by State Building Aid and EXCEL aid. The Capital Reserve allocation is available to address any unforeseen construction issues that may arise when work begins.

Q6: Does the Capital Reserve allocation need to be replaced through the May budget process?
No. In fact, the district CANNOT replenish the reserve without taxpayer approval. The district will have approximately $2,000,000 in capital reserve funds available for future projects.
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Q7: How was the Capital Projects Referendum developed?
The Building and Grounds Committee developed a list of building needs through:
     • School Walk-throughs
     • School Condition Survey
     • Staff Input
     • Community Input

Q9: Why doesn’t the referendum address Sullivan Ave. School and the Transportation Facility?
The School Board is still exploring various options. The administration anticipates sharing a comprehensive plan for these projects in Spring 2007.

Q10: What projects are included in the referendum?
Renovations and educational program improvements are planned at all four schools. Listed below are some of the major projects:

     HBE, ASK, HS - Roof replacement
     HBE, ASK, MS, HS - Safety/Security/Communication Systems
     HBE - Carpet replacement and new floor tiles
     ASK - Library renovations
     MS, HS - Auditorium renovations
     HS - Relocate Library, renovate Library and Science Technology Labs

Q11: What is the impact of the renovations and improvements?
The District anticipates long term savings through energy savings and extensive repairs.

Q12: In the past, projects included in a referendum were not completed because of cost overruns. How were these concerns addressed in this referendum?
The December 12, 2006 Capital Projects Referendum has many components at multiple locations. Estimates were developed based on industry standards and the current market conditions. The financial plan includes escalation costs as well as contingencies for unforeseen construction problems.

Q13: When will the work begin?
Immediately. Some projects have minimal architectural design requirements and will be started and completed in Summer 2007. All other projects will be completed by the end of Summer 2008.

Q14: Where can I get more information?
Administrators will be discussing the Capital Projects Referendum at public meetings throughout the district in late November and early December. A schedule of the meeting dates, times, and locations is posted on the district’s website. For questions or concerns, contact the Assistant Superintendent for Business, Lorelei Case, at 858-3175.

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