ECS gets YES to capital improvement project

Search for new superintendent begins

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — Changes are coming to the Eldred Central School District (ECS).

On December 12, voters approved a $16.9 million dollar bond referendum to fund construction and renovation projects at Eldred High School and Mackenzie Elementary School, while the ECS School Board commenced its search for a replacement for ECS Interim Superintendent Charlotte Gregory during its meeting on December 14.

The ECS board plans to begin advertising for a new superintendent beginning in January. Applications will be accepted through mid-March, followed by interviews. The board hopes to have the new superintendent in place by July 1, 2007.

An important role to be played by the new superintendent will be overseeing the upcoming construction project.

The aging school, built in 1941, has experienced ongoing facilities problems with its electrical systems, roof, parking lots, bathrooms and entrances, all of which need to be brought up to current standards. The addition of an elevator is one possible solution to compliance issues related to library access for persons with disabilities. New science and music classrooms are in the plan, along with renovations to the current field and track facilities.

Improvements to Mackenzie Elementary may include updating windows, replacing damaged hardware, repairing concrete, replacing metal roof fascia, repaving the entry driveway, providing handicapped accessibility to outside playgrounds, rebuilding shear walls at the gymnasium, replacing floor tile and hot water heaters and updating the communications systems.

The projects will take place over a period of several years, beginning with meetings to be scheduled for late January.

Citing the successful vote, board chairman Vin Zike urged student liason Dustin Cook to encourage fellow seniors to register to vote. “573 people voted to approve this referendum,” noted Zyke. “You can see what a difference your vote can make.”

“So many people played a role in this,” said Gregory. “Thanks to all of them.” For more information, contact Gregory at 845/ 557-6141.