ELDRED, NY  — Voters Tuesday gave the Eldred Central School District permission to borrow $11.16 million to help pay for upgrades and renovations at George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School and Eldred Junior Senior High School.

The vote was 128 to 44, according to official figures certified by the Board of Education Tuesday night.

Taxes will not increase due to this project.

“We sincerely thank voters for investing in the future of our students and community,” said Superintendent Traci Ferreira. “These crucial upgrades will support students’ short-term and long-term success. They will have top-notch settings to advance their achievement in literacy, math, science, multimedia and sports. The improvements also will inspire analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and innovation.”

There will be no tax impact from this project because the funds will be borrowed only after two existing bonds – which are a type of loan – are paid off in 2025. The project’s total cost is $12.73 million, with the district funding the difference from its reserves. New York State will reimburse a portion of costs.

 Construction will take place from 2024 to 2026. Highlights of the bond project include:

• George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School: A new roof will replace the leaky original roof, which is near the end of its useful life. New sidewalks will replace cracked, unsafe sidewalks.
• Eldred Junior Senior High School: A wider all-weather football field and track, which also will host soccer games and be open to the community, will be installed. In recent years, one-third of home sports events were cancelled due to unsafe conditions for student athletes. Fans’ experiences at sports events will be enhanced through new and expanded restrooms to replace aged and insufficient facilities at the field, the addition of a new concession stand for the first time, and new seating on the hill overlooking the field.

• Both schools: Libraries will be upgraded into global learning centers, which will be multipurpose areas that foster collaboration, communication and academic growth. Both schools also would add a “maker’s space” for independent learning and teacher-directed group or individual projects.
  
  

Voters’ approval means the school district now undertakes more detailed planning, and working through financing and construction logistics. The district will ensure the timely completion of the project by hiring an on-site construction manager whose payment will be tied to its guarantee that all deadlines will be met. The school district’s leadership will be in constant communication with the construction manager to ensure deadlines are followed. 

The bond project vote was held because the school district budget that residents vote on each year does not include discretionary funds for major work on facilities and grounds. Payments will be spread over 17 years, with the first payment due in June 2026.

Learn more about the improvements and view videos and a PowerPoint at Eldred.k12.ny.us. 

For reporter Susan Wade's earlier coverage of this issue, click here.