It’s time to VOTE! Please participate in the Capital Project vote on Tuesday (12/14) between noon and 9 p.m. at Sanford Street School. Here are five fast facts about what’s on the ballot:
ONE: The capital project is split into two separate propositions. Proposition #1 contains all the renovations to the Middle School (science classrooms, an outdoor fitness/recess area, the large group instruction room, ceiling tiles, windows/doors, etc.) and High School (music and chorus rooms, track and field turf replacement, a new fitness room, parking lot repairs, etc.). Proposition #2 only contains lights on the field, which would expand turf field access for more students during the early spring and fall. Proposition #1 MUST pass in order for the results of Proposition #2 even to be considered.
TWO: The entire proposal is tax-neutral, which means it will not raise local property taxes. Because of the way the NYS property tax cap is calculated, combined with existing debt payments finishing up next year, plus stewardship of tax dollars the district already has in savings, undertaking a capital project every five years or so keeps the tax levy stable for all district residents. Plus, it coincides with our building conditions survey — an important (and required) study of every school building to gauge its safety and functionality.
THREE: You can read the full printed newsletter provided by the district here, along with multiple reports about the capital project from local news agencies here:
• The Chronicle: Glens Falls School vote Dec. 14: Capital projects including field lights
• The Post Star: Voters to decide Glens Falls school upgrades, field lights
• News10 ABC: Glens Falls Middle School renovations, sports field lights possible if capital project OK’d
FOUR: The vote is being held in December so that construction could begin this coming summer (2022). This renovation project was originally scheduled to be on the May 2020 regular ballot … but then COVID hit, and all energies went to simply keeping our schools functioning as best as possible. Now that we’re in a better place, we want to make up for lost time and get the renovations started as soon as possible, if they pass. The construction bid process, state approvals, and project management takes many months. We’d like to be able to start this summer, rather than having to wait until summer of 2023.
FIVE: Polls open at NOON on Tuesday and stay open until 9 p.m. for all Glens Falls City School District residents. (Sorry … Abe Wing residents are ineligible to vote on this proposal.) Use the back entrance of Sanford Street School to enter the gymnasium. Enhanced health and safety practices will be in effect.
Put a sticky note on your dashboard, set an alarm on your phone — however you remember, please participate in Tuesday’s vote!