february 2016 - heightsschools.comfebruary 2016 dear elmira heights central school district...
TRANSCRIPT
February
2016
Dear Elmira Heights Central School District Community Members,
Coming off a historical decision to maintain our current status as the Elmira Heights Central School
District, it is time to move forward. The Capital Project we present to the voters for consideration on
March 1, 2016 has been developed with two goals in mind; protecting the investment our community
already has made in our facilities and preparing our facilities to meet future educational needs.
Every five years school districts across the State are required to complete a comprehensive building
condition survey (BCS). Our architects and engineers scrutinize our facilities in several major areas to
include the conditions of site, architectural, mechanical and electrical. They also assess our technology,
security and food service areas. Based on this thorough inspection, they work closely with our Board
of Education and Facilities Planning Committee to ensure that we have the appropriate facilities to
deliver a quality education program in a safe, efficient, and secure environment.
Through much preparation there is already a plan set in place to pay for this project. The result is that
this project will require NO ADDITIONAL TAXES to the taxpayers in our district. The district’s
architect and construction management firm will work closely with the School Board and District
administrators during the bidding and construction to keep costs in line with the budget.
The scope of the work provides an opportunity to attend to health and safety issues, make necessary
repairs, complete preventative maintenance, upgrade handicapped accessibility, enhance security,
update classroom technology and increase the building capacity at Cohen Elementary school to
accommodate full day Universal Pre-Kindergarten in the future. Further description of included items
are outlined in the project overview section of this brochure. These items are subject to State Education
Department approval and may need adjustments accordingly, but adjustments must stay within the
defined budget.
A public meeting will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at
Thomas A Edison High School. We encourage all district residents to attend this informational
presentation to learn the specifics of this proposed capital project and what it can do for our community
as we protect our investment and prepare for our future.
Please exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 between the hours of 7a.m-8p.m.
Respectfully,
Mary Beth Fiore
Superintendent of Schools
ww
w.h
eig
hts
sch
oo
ls.c
om
Elm
ira Heig
hts C
entral S
chool D
istrict
2083 C
olleg
e Av
e.
Elm
ira Heig
hts, N
Y 1
49
03
(607) 7
34
-7114
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING DATE: Thursday, February 25, 2016
TIME: 6:30pm
LOCATION: In the Community Room
Thomas A. Edison HS
2083 College Avenue
Elmira Heights, NY 14903
For project related questions contact:
Elmira Heights Central School District
Office at (607)-734-7114
VOTER INFORMATION DATE: MARCH 1, 2016 TIME: 7:00am—8:00pm
LOCATION: Thomas A. Edison HS
2083 College Avenue
Elmira Heights, NY 14903
VOTER ELIGIBILITY
Citizen of U.S.
At least 18 years of age
Legal resident at least 30 days prior to
vote
Registered voter with Chemung County
Capital Project Edition
ABSENTEE BALLOTS Applications and ballots may be obtained
from District Clerk Colleen Dengler.
Completed applications for absentee ballots
must be received by the district clerk at least
seven days before the election if the ballot is
to be mailed to the voter or the day before
the election if the ballot is to be picked up in
person by the voter. Absentee ballots must
be received by the district clerk no later than
5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 1,
2016. Questions regarding absentee ballots
should be directed to Colleen Dengler at
607.734.7114.
PROJECT OVERVIEW: Proposed Work Highlights
COHEN ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Pre-K program enhancements
Middle School gymnasium bleacher
replacements
Tennis court improvements
Cafeteria & kitchen improvement in
appearance, function & acoustics
Provide elementary computer lab
THOMAS A. EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
Light board & dimming rack replacement in
auditorium/stage
Masonry restoration
Safety upgrades to athletic turf
DISTRICT-WIDE
Mechanical system upgrades
Paging system installation
Emergency generators
Roof rehabilitation
Building HVAC controls replacement
Asphalt replacements
Classroom technology upgrades
Health & safety upgrades
Improved accessible services
Security upgrades
AND WE MATTER
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Room Additions 8TH GRADE GRADUATION8TH GRADE GRADUATION
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONHIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
CAPITAL PROJECT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WE ARE ELMIRA HEIGHTS
Q. How was this project developed? A. The school district completed a state-required building condition survey that resulted in an
evaluation of all of our facilities. This evaluation focused on examining the structural integrity of our
facilities, safety and security on our campuses, our capacity to meet educational program needs and our
handicap accessibility. Recommendations for improvements were outlined and the Board of Education
and facilities committee have been meeting to review the district’s building recommendations for
improvements and needs. The proposed project addresses these issues and provides an opportunity to
more efficiently serve our students, staff and community well into the future.
Q. Our buildings are in good condition. Why is this project necessary? A. The project is necessary to help us protect the capital investment we have already made in our
facilities. Just as with your home, there are always things to be done to maintain your property in good
condition. A capital project provides the most economical way of repairing, maintaining and upgrading
our facilities. The work to be completed with this project can be done at no additional cost to local
taxpayers due to state aid; SMART schools bond monies and the use of our capital reserves.
Q. Will the project help us diminish day-to-day building operating expenses?
A. Yes. By including scope of work such as energy efficient lighting upgrades and heating control
improvements the district will become eligible for additional rebates through NYSERDA and NYSEG.
Q. What will this project do for our children and community? A. The project will provide an opportunity for us to do repairs, preventative maintenance and ensure
we have the facilities to meet the educational needs of the future; including providing the necessary
space for universal Pre-Kindergarten for all children.
Q. If I have no children in the district, why should I approve this proposition? A. Our facilities are used extensively by the community for a variety of activities such as after school
youth groups, the community orchestra program and athletic league programs. There are few nights or
weekends when there is not something occurring on our campuses. Also, according to real estate
experts, the positive reputation of a community’s schools plays a major role in the enhancement of long
-term real estate values.
Q. What are the safety upgrades required to the athletic turf? A. As the turf meets the end of its life expectancy, it is necessary to replace the undersurface and turf
carpet to maintain safe turf conditions.
Q. Will there be any schematic floor plans available to the public? A. Yes, preliminary floor plans and site plans are now available for public viewing and are included in
this newsletter. Additionally, a presentation on the proposed project is set for Thursday, February 25 in
the Community Room at Thomas A Edison High School at 6:00 p.m. Information is also available on
the district’s website: www.heightsschools.com. If you have additional questions, please contact the
district business office at (607) 734-7114.
PREPRE--K GRADUATIONK GRADUATION
8TH GRADE GRADUATION8TH GRADE GRADUATION
The total cost of this project is $12,381,641 of which there will be ZERO increase in local
taxes to the Elmira Heights Central School District community.
9.79%
82.65%
7.56%
Use of the project funds will come from
the following areas:
FINANCIAL IMPACT
NO ADDITIONAL TAX IMPACT!
State Aid $10,233,967
Capital Reserve $1,211,033
Smart School Bond Act $936,641
Total Cost of Project $12,381,641
ADDITIONAL TAX IMPACT $ZERO
Q. What is the total cost of the project and bond amount and how was it determined?
A. The total cost of the project is $12,381,641 and the bond issue will be $10,233,967. HUNT
Architects & Engineers assessed the requirements of our facilities and provided cost estimates
based on industry standards and verified cost models; while ensuring we worked within our
means.
Q. The cost of the bond issue is $10,233,967. What guarantee is there that there won’t be
any cost overruns?
A. School districts throughout New York are required by law not to exceed the amount approved
by voters. The district’s architect and construction management firm will work closely with the
School Board and District administrators during bidding and construction to keep costs in line
with budget projections.
Q. The project is eligible for up to 88.9% funding from New York State and an additional
$936,641 in SMART Bond Investment monies allotted to our district. Will the local tax levy
need to be increased to pay for the remaining cost of the project?
A. No. The District has a capital reserve that was established and funded over several years that
will cover any shortage. No new tax money will be needed to fund this project.
Q. How will my school taxes be affected by this project?
A. The total cost of the proposed project will be funded through a blend of state building aid,
SMART bond monies, capital reserve and replacing existing debt. No additional taxes will be
required to support this project.
Capital Projects versus Annual School Budget:
Q. Can the monies we plan to use for Capital projects be used to balance the school budget
during difficult financial times?
A. No. Capital projects funds can only be used to support
Q. If we don’t fund this capital project can the monies be used to help balance our annual
school budget?
A. No. Funding for Capital project work is a different funding process and those monies can not
be used to support any other areas of a school’s operating budget.
Q. If the bond does not pass, how will we pay for the needed repairs?
A. Needed repairs to address health and safety concerns would be paid for through our regular
budget process and would require a dollar for dollar match. By doing this critical work through a
capital project, we can maximize state funding and without impacting local taxes.
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We are proposing a Capital Project not to exceed $12,381,641 with the State’s share being
approximately 88.9% of the cost. The remaining balance will be funded by Capital Reserves
established for this purpose and an additional $936,641 in Smart Bond monies to support the
addition of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten rooms and to update technology in the classrooms.
Therefore, this project can be completely funded with no need to increase future tax levies/local
taxes specific to this work. As we have paid off previous debt over time, the cost of the bond
issue will represent $10,233,967 of the overall $12.38M cost and shall be bonded over fifteen
years. The monies in the form of state aid, SMART bond allocation, and capital reserve will
result in payment of bonds without increasing taxes.
MORE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT:
Pie chart illustrates project pre-financing
The total cost of this project is $12,381,641 of which there will be ZERO increase in local
taxes to the Elmira Heights Central School District community.
9.79%
82.65%
7.56%
Use of the project funds will come from
the following areas:
FINANCIAL IMPACT
NO ADDITIONAL TAX IMPACT!
State Aid $10,233,967
Capital Reserve $1,211,033
Smart School Bond Act $936,641
Total Cost of Project $12,381,641
ADDITIONAL TAX IMPACT $ZERO
Q. What is the total cost of the project and bond amount and how was it determined?
A. The total cost of the project is $12,381,641 and the bond issue will be $10,233,967. HUNT
Architects & Engineers assessed the requirements of our facilities and provided cost estimates
based on industry standards and verified cost models; while ensuring we worked within our
means.
Q. The cost of the bond issue is $10,233,967. What guarantee is there that there won’t be
any cost overruns?
A. School districts throughout New York are required by law not to exceed the amount approved
by voters. The district’s architect and construction management firm will work closely with the
School Board and District administrators during bidding and construction to keep costs in line
with budget projections.
Q. The project is eligible for up to 88.9% funding from New York State and an additional
$936,641 in SMART Bond Investment monies allotted to our district. Will the local tax levy
need to be increased to pay for the remaining cost of the project?
A. No. The District has a capital reserve that was established and funded over several years that
will cover any shortage. No new tax money will be needed to fund this project.
Q. How will my school taxes be affected by this project?
A. The total cost of the proposed project will be funded through a blend of state building aid,
SMART bond monies, capital reserve and replacing existing debt. No additional taxes will be
required to support this project.
Capital Projects versus Annual School Budget:
Q. Can the monies we plan to use for Capital projects be used to balance the school budget
during difficult financial times?
A. No. Capital projects funds can only be used to support
Q. If we don’t fund this capital project can the monies be used to help balance our annual
school budget?
A. No. Funding for Capital project work is a different funding process and those monies can not
be used to support any other areas of a school’s operating budget.
Q. If the bond does not pass, how will we pay for the needed repairs?
A. Needed repairs to address health and safety concerns would be paid for through our regular
budget process and would require a dollar for dollar match. By doing this critical work through a
capital project, we can maximize state funding and without impacting local taxes.
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We are proposing a Capital Project not to exceed $12,381,641 with the State’s share being
approximately 88.9% of the cost. The remaining balance will be funded by Capital Reserves
established for this purpose and an additional $936,641 in Smart Bond monies to support the
addition of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten rooms and to update technology in the classrooms.
Therefore, this project can be completely funded with no need to increase future tax levies/local
taxes specific to this work. As we have paid off previous debt over time, the cost of the bond
issue will represent $10,233,967 of the overall $12.38M cost and shall be bonded over fifteen
years. The monies in the form of state aid, SMART bond allocation, and capital reserve will
result in payment of bonds without increasing taxes.
MORE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT:
Pie chart illustrates project pre-financing
CAPITAL PROJECT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WE ARE ELMIRA HEIGHTS
Q. How was this project developed? A. The school district completed a state-required building condition survey that resulted in an
evaluation of all of our facilities. This evaluation focused on examining the structural integrity of our
facilities, safety and security on our campuses, our capacity to meet educational program needs and our
handicap accessibility. Recommendations for improvements were outlined and the Board of Education
and facilities committee have been meeting to review the district’s building recommendations for
improvements and needs. The proposed project addresses these issues and provides an opportunity to
more efficiently serve our students, staff and community well into the future.
Q. Our buildings are in good condition. Why is this project necessary? A. The project is necessary to help us protect the capital investment we have already made in our
facilities. Just as with your home, there are always things to be done to maintain your property in good
condition. A capital project provides the most economical way of repairing, maintaining and upgrading
our facilities. The work to be completed with this project can be done at no additional cost to local
taxpayers due to state aid; SMART schools bond monies and the use of our capital reserves.
Q. Will the project help us diminish day-to-day building operating expenses?
A. Yes. By including scope of work such as energy efficient lighting upgrades and heating control
improvements the district will become eligible for additional rebates through NYSERDA and NYSEG.
Q. What will this project do for our children and community? A. The project will provide an opportunity for us to do repairs, preventative maintenance and ensure
we have the facilities to meet the educational needs of the future; including providing the necessary
space for universal Pre-Kindergarten for all children.
Q. If I have no children in the district, why should I approve this proposition? A. Our facilities are used extensively by the community for a variety of activities such as after school
youth groups, the community orchestra program and athletic league programs. There are few nights or
weekends when there is not something occurring on our campuses. Also, according to real estate
experts, the positive reputation of a community’s schools plays a major role in the enhancement of long
-term real estate values.
Q. What are the safety upgrades required to the athletic turf? A. As the turf meets the end of its life expectancy, it is necessary to replace the undersurface and turf
carpet to maintain safe turf conditions.
Q. Will there be any schematic floor plans available to the public? A. Yes, preliminary floor plans and site plans are now available for public viewing and are included in
this newsletter. Additionally, a presentation on the proposed project is set for Thursday, February 25 in
the Community Room at Thomas A Edison High School at 6:00 p.m. Information is also available on
the district’s website: www.heightsschools.com. If you have additional questions, please contact the
district business office at (607) 734-7114.
PREPRE--K GRADUATIONK GRADUATION
8TH GRADE GRADUATION8TH GRADE GRADUATION
PROJECT OVERVIEW: Proposed Work Highlights
COHEN ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Pre-K program enhancements
Middle School gymnasium bleacher
replacements
Tennis court improvements
Cafeteria & kitchen improvement in
appearance, function & acoustics
Provide elementary computer lab
THOMAS A. EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
Light board & dimming rack replacement in
auditorium/stage
Masonry restoration
Safety upgrades to athletic turf
DISTRICT-WIDE
Mechanical system upgrades
Paging system installation
Emergency generators
Roof rehabilitation
Building HVAC controls replacement
Asphalt replacements
Classroom technology upgrades
Health & safety upgrades
Improved accessible services
Security upgrades
AND WE MATTER
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Room Additions 8TH GRADE GRADUATION8TH GRADE GRADUATION
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONHIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
February
2016
Dear Elmira Heights Central School District Community Members,
Coming off a historical decision to maintain our current status as the Elmira Heights Central School
District, it is time to move forward. The Capital Project we present to the voters for consideration on
March 1, 2016 has been developed with two goals in mind; protecting the investment our community
already has made in our facilities and preparing our facilities to meet future educational needs.
Every five years school districts across the State are required to complete a comprehensive building
condition survey (BCS). Our architects and engineers scrutinize our facilities in several major areas to
include the conditions of site, architectural, mechanical and electrical. They also assess our technology,
security and food service areas. Based on this thorough inspection, they work closely with our Board
of Education and Facilities Planning Committee to ensure that we have the appropriate facilities to
deliver a quality education program in a safe, efficient, and secure environment.
Through much preparation there is already a plan set in place to pay for this project. The result is that
this project will require NO ADDITIONAL TAXES to the taxpayers in our district. The district’s
architect and construction management firm will work closely with the School Board and District
administrators during the bidding and construction to keep costs in line with the budget.
The scope of the work provides an opportunity to attend to health and safety issues, make necessary
repairs, complete preventative maintenance, upgrade handicapped accessibility, enhance security,
update classroom technology and increase the building capacity at Cohen Elementary school to
accommodate full day Universal Pre-Kindergarten in the future. Further description of included items
are outlined in the project overview section of this brochure. These items are subject to State Education
Department approval and may need adjustments accordingly, but adjustments must stay within the
defined budget.
A public meeting will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at
Thomas A Edison High School. We encourage all district residents to attend this informational
presentation to learn the specifics of this proposed capital project and what it can do for our community
as we protect our investment and prepare for our future.
Please exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 between the hours of 7a.m-8p.m.
Respectfully,
Mary Beth Fiore
Superintendent of Schools
ww
w.h
eig
hts
sch
oo
ls.c
om
Elm
ira Heig
hts C
entral S
chool D
istrict
2083 C
olleg
e Av
e.
Elm
ira Heig
hts, N
Y 1
49
03
(607) 7
34
-7114
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING DATE: Thursday, February 25, 2016
TIME: 6:30pm
LOCATION: In the Community Room
Thomas A. Edison HS
2083 College Avenue
Elmira Heights, NY 14903
For project related questions contact:
Elmira Heights Central School District
Office at (607)-734-7114
VOTER INFORMATION DATE: MARCH 1, 2016 TIME: 7:00am—8:00pm
LOCATION: Thomas A. Edison HS
2083 College Avenue
Elmira Heights, NY 14903
VOTER ELIGIBILITY
Citizen of U.S.
At least 18 years of age
Legal resident at least 30 days prior to
vote
Registered voter with Chemung County
Capital Project Edition
ABSENTEE BALLOTS Applications and ballots may be obtained
from District Clerk Colleen Dengler.
Completed applications for absentee ballots
must be received by the district clerk at least
seven days before the election if the ballot is
to be mailed to the voter or the day before
the election if the ballot is to be picked up in
person by the voter. Absentee ballots must
be received by the district clerk no later than
5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 1,
2016. Questions regarding absentee ballots
should be directed to Colleen Dengler at
607.734.7114.