Voters approve Duanesburg Central School District's
$1.398 million capital project

Delanson, Dec. 12, 2006 – On Tuesday, Dec. 12, Duanesburg Central School District residents approved the district’s $1.398 million proposed capital project to fund renovations and improvements to the middle/high school.

Official voting results are 243 yes votes to 20 no votes.

“The Board of Education and the school district greatly appreciate the support of the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Villanti. “This project will allow us to make the much needed improvements to our facilities with a negligible impact on the tax rate.”

By taking on this project now, the project’s total costs will be covered by state aid with traditional state building aid picking up 79 percent of the cost and EXCEL Aid, (Expanding Our Children’s Education and Learning) a new form of state aid available to districts on a one-time basis to cover the cost of certain repairs and improvements, picking up the remaining 21 percent.

The project will help modernize the school building to keep up with the demands of technology, to promote a safer, more secure learning environment and to help improve energy efficiency in the face of rising energy costs. Highlights of the project include:
 
• Redesigning the technology room within its current footprint to create a better, more effective learning space for the technology lab, sound proof TV/radio station and multipurpose media technology room to help meet the demands of the 21st century.

• Connecting the art annex to the municipal water and sewer systems, add a handicap accessible bathroom and sink and replace the flooring.

• Renovating the boys' and girls' locker rooms to address the poor condition of the current facilities.

• Upgrading heating controls and light fixtures in the old wing to better regulate the temperature of classrooms and improve lighting to conserve energy.

• Replacing the current video security system with a more efficient digital system to address safety concerns.

• Paving the lower parking area to address drainage problems.

• Adding approximately 50 new lockers to keep up with enrollment growth.

Plans will be submitted to the State Education Department for approval in January 2007. Pending approval, the project could go out to bid in the spring. Work could commence in June and be completed for the 2007-08 school year if all timelines are met.

For more information, visit the Capital Project section of the district Web site.

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