New School Facilities Project Being Considered

Sept. 16, 2011

 To take advantage of a new funding program available to schools, officials in the Watervliet City School District are eyeing the possibility of another major school renovation project.

 The Watervliet Board of Education is currently discussing an $18.4 million plan that, if approved by residents, could see approximately $11 million of work at the junior/senior high school and approximately $7 million at the elementary school.

 The proposed project would have no effect on local taxes, as the work would be paid for with state aid and new incentive funds that state is providing to just a handful of school districts in the state. If the board of education gives its OK, the tax-neutral building plan could go before voters for their consideration in mid-December.

 “We need to move quickly because the state’s new funding expires,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul J. Padalino said.

 New York State is now offering Qualified School Construction Bonds that, together with traditional state building aid, would pay for the entire project. Watervliet is among just 30 school districts statewide eligible for this financing option. The district has until Dec. 31 to get plans approved by the state Education Department in order to receive the funding. These bonds are available exclusively for building and renovations projects and cannot be used for other purposes.

 “This funding program offers our district an incredible opportunity to address remaining needs in our buildings and facilities and would benefit our students and the community without increasing taxes locally,” Padalino said. “This funding is available for a limited time; passing up an opportunity like this would be irresponsible.”

 Among the improvements under consideration include new roofs and windows, as well as classroom and corridor renovations at the elementary school. Classroom and corridor renovations and upgrades to the auditorium are also proposed for the junior/senior high school. Construction of an eight-lane running track and a low-maintenance, all-weather artificial turf playing field that will accommodate a variety of athletic offerings is also being considered.

 The district just finished two building and renovation projects totaling more than $30 million that included the construction of new classrooms at both schools and a new gymnasium and cafeteria at the junior/senior high school. The recently completed work was the first major renovations the district’s buildings had seen since the early 1980s.

 In the coming months, the district will form a task force to gather community feedback on the proposed building project.