ECS embarks on $16.9 million dollar bond initiative

Project to include renovation and new construction

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — Volunteer “key communicators” received training last week to enable them to provide correct information about upcoming construction and renovation projects at Eldred Central High School and Mackenzie Elementary School, requiring voter approval of a $16.9 million dollar bond.

The training was delivered to improve the accuracy and availability of information related to the project and its many facets. Interim Superintendent of Schools Charlotte Gregory said it’s important to make the proper information accessible. “Rather than having a lot of fiction out there, I’d prefer to give people the facts,” said Gregory.

That includes the fact that the aging school, built in 1941, has been experiencing ongoing facilities problems. Most recently, a section of ceiling at the main entrance fell and was found to contain asbestos.

The ceiling area, measuring approximately one foot in width and two feet in length, fell when the school was unoccupied and was discovered on June 26 by custodial staff doing their normal building walkthroughs. The area was closed until E & A Environmental cleaned up the debris.

An earlier asbestos problem was discovered in December 2005, when edges of the old gymnasium ceiling hidden behind a newer drop ceiling were found to have fallen onto the new ceiling, necessitating the emergency removal of 6,000 pounds of material.

These are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed. According to school officials, electrical wires need to be replaced, parking lots need to be paved and bathrooms and entrances need to be brought up to current standards.

To fund the project, the Eldred Central School Board of Education intends to approve a resolution at its regularly scheduled board meeting on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. to place the $16.9 million dollar construction and renovation project before the public on December 12, 2006. Voting will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in room 25 at the high school in Eldred.

Scope of the project

The project is proposed to include a new roof at the high school, new classrooms, including new science and music suites, a multi-purpose room and an elevator. The electrical system will be updated to include a new transformer and its total building capacity will be increased. Restroom facilities, and plumbing and drainage systems will all be brought up to current standards. Blacktop work and site renovations to the current field and track facilities are included.

Prospective improvements to Mackenzie Elementary include updating windows for energy efficiency, replacing damaged door hardware, repairing concrete slab work, replacing the metal fascia on the roof, repaving the entry driveway, providing handicapped accessibility to outside playgrounds, rebuilding the shear walls at the gymnasium, replacing vinyl and quarry floor tile, replacing hot water heaters and updating the communications systems.

Volunteers posed various questions about the project and Gregory addressed each, promising to secure additional information on several.

According to materials prepared by Gregory and provided to the volunteers, “The planning takes advantage of a unique opportunity with current finance structures that provide revenues from the recently created Capital Reserve Fund, the New York State Legislative Incentive aid of 10 percent, State Education Department Building aid of 45.9 percent and several grants for such repairs in the future. At the time for financing this project, the district will be coming off debt for the Mackenzie building.”

Should the bond fail, the school must take measures to assure compliance with current health and safety standards, as well as address issues of continuing decline.

For more information, contact communications specialist Renata Gittler at rgittler@eldredschools.org or superintendent Gregory at 845/557-6141.