“Residents in the East Ramapo school district are being asked to approve a multimillion-dollar capital projects bond that will give some long-needed attention to aging infrastructure.
The $58 million referendum, scheduled to go before voters on Dec. 6, budgets money for replacing roofs, boilers, windows and HVAC units, as well as fixes to sidewalks, floors and bleachers, according to the ballot language recently approved by the school board.
Capital improvements are identified in the district’s new five-year strategic plan, and a team of state-appointed monitors in December 2015 recommended that old infrastructure be addressed in a report on the district.
Also included in the bond proposal:
A security system for all buildings and grounds that will link to police.
Repairs and renovations in K-8 classrooms, including modifying existing space to include science labs and special education classrooms.
Upgrades to two athletic fields.
Install high quality Wi-Fi network covering every classroom and office in the district.
A second proposition on the ballot seeks approval to borrow $1,127,920 through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York program to replace windows and doors at Kakiat and Fleetwood elementary schools.
The same state agency awarded the district a $1 million grant earlier this year to repair a leaking roof and old façade at Ramapo High School. Officials expect work to be completed by mid-fall.
Deteriorating building conditions have long been a complaint of students and parents, both of whom have criticized officials for not spending money on maintenance and not allocating reserve funds that could have been used to help pay for repair work.”
Read the complete Journal News story here.