Capital Projects Referendum

Voters approve capital projects referendum to renovation school buildings

On Dec. 12, Port Jervis City School District residents overwhelmingly approved the proposed $14.6 million Capital Projects Referendum. The official tally was 904 yes votes to 268 no votes. With the passage of the referendum, the district will now have the means to address the most urgent infrastructure and safety needs in its four school buildings.

The 45 restoration projects, which include the replacement of deteriorating roofs and aging heating systems, will be funded by State Building Aid and the new EXCEL (Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning) Aid program. Work on some of the projects is expected to be completed this summer. All other projects would be completed by the end of the summer of 2007.

   Grateful for voter approval, Superintendent John Xanthis said, “The passage of this referendum is particularly important because it will have a direct impact on our students and the quality of their learning environment."
 

"I want to thank everyone in the community from the Board of Education, teachers, and staff to the PTAs, parents, and other organizations for coming together in support of this referendum," said Xanthis. Thanks to your support the district now has the means to make the major repairs needed to ensure the integrity of our buildings and the safety of our children.” 
 

Highlights of the work included in the Capital Project
Port Jervis High School

• Library - Current library was built to meet 1960’s educational standards. Relocating the library to the first floor would create additional student work space; provide easier access for students and community; and create the appropriate environment needed to support tougher graduation requirements.

• Auditorium - Restoration would provide all district students and their families with a refurbished, air conditioned facility in which to enjoy plays, concerts and other programs.

• Roof - Sections of the current roof have deteriorated, 45,000 sq. foot of exiting roof needs to be replaced.

• Building Exterior - Repair broken sidewalks and building canopy, and replace electronic sign.

• Science & Technology Labs - Today’s science classes need to be properly equipped to provide students with the skills needed to excel on the challenging Regents exams. Renovations would make the labs highly functional and more effective learning space.

• Cafeteria - Replacement windows, new paint, and other work is needed to give students a quality cafeteria.

Port Jervis Middle School

• Cafeteria - Renovations are needed to fix broken floor and ceiling tiles and leaky pipes.

• Auditorium - Stage repair and renovation work would include installation of lift for wheel chair accessibility.

• Gymnasium - Replacing or resurfacing of gym floor.

• Building Systems - To ensure safety, building needs to be equipped with fire stopping devices and closed circuit TV.

Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School 

• Library - Renovations will include technology enhancements and carpet replacement.

• Gymnasium - Improve facility by installing new lighting and upgrading sound system.

• Building systems - Improve building safety and security by replacing outdated public address/clock/bell system and installing new closed circuit televisions and fire alarm.

• Roofing - Replace deteriorating sections of roof.

Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School

• Heating/Air conditioning - Improve heating by adding third boiler. Replace air conditioning in library and cafeteria, and install unit in computer lab.

• Interior - Replace building carpeting and flooring.

• Safety - Replace outdated fire alarm and intercom systems, and install closed circuit
  cameras on school grounds. 

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