Croton-Harmon schools propose $20M bond

The Croton-Harmon school district is preparing to put a $20.8 million bond to vote this fall that would fund repairs and renovations for the three school buildings, district office and transportation facility.

The proposed borrowing plan, set for a vote on Oct. 18, is not expected to increase taxes because of existing debt that will be retired, low interest rates, and a 41 percent reimbursement rate from the state.

“We have reached a situation where our infrastructure is aging and we’re well aware of the fact that the lifespan of certain, basic equipment is ending,” Superintendent Edward Fuhrman said. “We also have changing program needs as we go forth in terms of requiring some redesign of space."

Nearly $10 million would go toward Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School to replace classroom ventilators with an energy-recovery rooftop unit that will heat and cool the building, upgrade windows with more insulation, and pave over gravel in some parking lots.

At Croton-Harmon High School, the district is proposing to spend about $6.4 million on renovating the gym floor and bleachers, upgrading fire alarms and replacing old pipes. Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School would receive about $3.7 million to do repairs including replacing the gym’s ceiling, installing steam isolation valves and improving ventilation in classrooms.

The middle and high schools are also following a county-wide trend of redesigning library and media rooms, like in Chappaqua and Pelham, to be more flexible work spaces with technology-equipped areas for studying collaboratively — otherwise known as makerspaces.

“The way in which the room is being designed is to support collaboration with work stations that are movable depending on what it is they’re working on,” said Deborah O’Connell, an assistant superintendent in the district.

The rooms would still have some stacks of books, but would be furnished with movable white boards, tables and chairs so students can rearrange the workspace as needed.

The remaining money would be spent on upgrades and repairs to things like the septic system and exterior stucco to the district office and transportation facility. If the bond is passed, work would begin in June 2018, and projects would be worked on through 2021.

Rosanne Felicello, a parent of two students enrolled in the district and an infant, said she would like to see cafeteria kitchens built — which would not be funded by this bond if passed.

Fuhrman said the issue of cafeterias was discussed by the board, but not part of this proposal.

“They felt at this particular time that this was not something they wanted to pursue,” Fuhrman said. “However, they haven’t ruled it out for the future.”

Public outreach to provide information about the borrowing plan started recently with an email blast. Postcards will go out to residents, and there will be an information desk at back-to-school nights about the bond.

The district also plans to have a community meeting about the bond on Oct. 6. The vote will take place Oct. 18 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Croton-Harmon High School.