SCHOOL
BOARD SETS NOVEMBER 15 DATE FOR VOTE
ON EXCEL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
FREEPORT, NY. Sept. 28, 2007
The
Freeport Board of Education has voted to hold a public referendum
on Thursday, November 15. On the ballot: approval to undertake
$17 million in capital projects, to be fully funded through
state building aid and state EXCEL (Expanding Our Children’s
Education and Learning) aid.
“There would be no net increase
in taxes,” explains Deputy Superintendent Kishore Kuncham. “Freeport
qualifies for more than $5 million from the one-time-only
EXCEL program. By combining this money with building aid,
we can carry out a substantial amount of work, completely
funded by state aid.”
After long and careful deliberations,
the Board and administration decided that the most appropriate
use of EXCEL monies would be to invest in district-wide infrastructure
repairs—that is, to fix roofs, replace windows, buy
new boilers where needed and install upgraded fire alarms.
Every school except the newly built New Visions would be
improved.
“We are proud of how well
maintained our district schools are, but we can’t ignore
the fact that they are aging,” says Board President
Debra McQuillan. “We feel we have a responsibility
to preserve our buildings and grounds—and to pass them
on to the next generation. Carrying out the planned EXCEL
Capital Improvement Project will protect our community’s
investment in the schools.”
Details about the planned list
of projects, voter registration and voting sites will be
mailed to the community later this month, and will be available
on the Web site: freeportschools.org.
“The
EXCEL Capital Improvement Project is the culmination of work
that has gone on for a significant period of time,” says
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric L. Eversley. “We’ve
analyzed our buildings and brought in professionals to help us
determine what we need to do to protect and enhance our district’s
capital assets and to provide a safe and healthful learning environment
for our children.” |
