Capital Improvements Project, 2018

Voting on the proposed Capital Improvement Project by district residents took place Tuesday, December 11, 2018, from 12 noon until 9 p.m. in the Jr.-Sr. High School Gym.  The proposition PASSED.  Thank you for your support of our students and district.

 

On December 11, 2018, North Collins Central School District residents passed a proposition for a Capital Improvement Project addressing District needs in the areas of building repairs, heating, instruction and safety. 

The plan was developed by following a long range plan that included the participation of professional architects, building administrators and staff.  The final project list was created by considering the current condition of items and what would happen if an item were not replaced in the proposition.  The result of the review included highest priority infrastructure items and a blended list of school building enhancements to support each school’s educational programs. 

The Proposed Capital Project uses New York State Building Aid. These State revenue sources are specifically earmarked for capital projects. The local share comes from the North Collins CSD Capital Reserve Fund, which is a fund designated for Capital Projects.  Using this fund keeps the local tax impact at 0%.



Why do we need this proposed Capital Project?

Just as our homes age...repairs and upkeep are necessary. This project is being designed to address 4 key areas:

1) Health/Safety/Welfare

(Jr-Sr HS: Secure Main Entry vestibule,  Modify main offices) (Elementary: Secure entry vestibule at Bus Loop Entrance, Add canopy at Bus Loop Entrance)

2) Facilities Infrastructure Improvements

(Jr-Sr HS: New Exterior Doors, New Energy Efficient Windows along East side of building, Add back-up water heater, Replace PTAC Units at end of useful life, Add Air Conditioning to Cafeteria, Address 2nd Floor ventilation issues)

(Elementary: Replace original boilers, Air handling and ventilation upgrades, Add Air Conditioning to classrooms, Replace B&G water pumps, Replace air handlers to Kitchen and Cafeteria, Replace main electrical distribution panels, Relocate existing transformers out of building’s basement.)

3) Educational Space Improvements

(Jr-Sr HS: Auditorium – Renovate theatrical lighting, sound system and stage rigging, update overall aesthetic appearance, Consumer Science – Renovate classrooms) 

(Elementary: Library/Media Center – Replace existing flooring, Classrooms – Renovate classroom storage cabinetry, Main Office- Replace existing flooring)

4) Site Improvements

(Jr-Sr HS: Replace damaged sidewalks & curbs, Replace asphalt at Main Lot, Replace asphalt at Rear Lot w/ Expanded Parking, Replace asphalt at Side Lot, Replace asphalt at Bus Loop, Replace sanitary line) 

(Elementary: Replace damaged sidewalks & curbs, Replace asphalt at Main Lot, Replace asphalt at Drop-Off Loop/Parking area, Improve drainage along soccer field, Replace water main to building, Bus Parking Area Expanded, Employee Parking Area Expanded Adjacent to Soccer Field)

How did we determine the extent of this Capital Project?

1. New York State requires school districts to do a 5-year Building Condition Survey. We completed our last survey in 2015.

2. The District met with the Administrators and Supervisors of each area across the district to identify a list of improvement items that they would like to see completed in their school buildings in this capital project.  The list was reviewed and discussed extensively at building level meetings, committee meetings, and board meetings.

How will we pay for the proposed Capital Project?

The North Collins financial strategy for this capital project includes the use of capital reserves and state aid revenues to offset principal and Interest payments for the life of the new debt.  This results in no taxpayer impact for the cost of the project.

Capital Reserves

The district has increased the capital reserve over the past several years to its present level of about $2,500,000. That amount will be used for the capital project to lower the amount to be borrowed and thus, lower the associated interest costs.

State Aid

The state reimburses districts to maintain their buildings. The economies of scale and efficiencies secured during capital projects helps to safeguard the financial stability of school districts and the integrity of the educational program. The rate at which the state reimburses varies from district to district. North Collins is currently reimbursed at 81.5% of aid eligible portions of voter approved capital projects. It is estimated that about 95% of the project is eligible for state aid, and of that 95%, the district would receive aid for 81.5% of those costs. The aid would result in just over $11,400,000 coming to the district to cover the portion of Interest and Principal payments not covered by the use of capital reserve funds.

Local Share

The use of the capital reserve will offset the portion of the project not covered by state aid and lower the amount to be borrowed and associated interest costs.  The state aid and capital reserve funds will cover the cost of the project. This results in a no tax impact project.

COMMUNITY FORUM

A public forum for this project scheduled for Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the Jr.-Sr. High School Auditorium was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.  If you have questions about this project, please call the District Office at 337-0101, ext. 1301.

A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT INFORMATIONAL MEETING was held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 – 5:30 p.m. in the Jr.-Sr.  High School Auditorium

Topics for discussion were:  Project Criteria, Proposed Renovations and Financing, and Long-Term Planning

Please feel free to contact Mr. Taylor, Superintendent, at 337-0101; ext. 1301, or email [email protected], with any questions, comments or concerns.