Proposed Capital Project Vote Jan. 12, 2010

The Board of Education held a town hall meeting today presenting the capital projects (details are at http://www.chathamcentralschools.com/district/cap_project.asp).

There are two propositions.

The first is for approximately $5.087 million and consists of a number of projects relating to energy efficiency, safety, Americans With Disabilites Act, infrastructure, and various program needs. This will be financed with no increase in taxes by using funds left over from the previous capital project, federal stimulus money, state aid, and funds from the district's capital reserve. As I've said before, not everyone would agree with each of the individual projects within this proposal, but as a whole, it makes sense.

There are two points I want to make regarding the financing of this proposal. First, the federal stimulus money (approx. $547,000) is a one-time opportunity to be used now. If the funds are not spent by June, they will no longer be available. Secondly, while there has been a lot of press about New York's budget crisis and possible cuts to school budgets, the cuts that have been discussed have been only to operating, rather than building budgets, so the state aid portion (approx. 50%, or $2.5 million) should not be affected.

The second proposition (which can only pass if the first passes) is for $320,000 and consists only of replacing lights on the high school athletic field. It is included in the total $5.087 million. This proposition would be financed $160,000 from the district capital reserve, and $160,000 state aid. If this proposition does not pass, but the first does, then the total amount would be reduced by $320,000, and the amount from the capital reserve and state aid portions would be reduced by $160,000 each.

I am in favor of the first proposition, but think the second is on shaky ground. We already have lights, albeit not what we would like. Twenty events were held under the lights during the fall. Obviously they are doing the job. At this point in our economic cycle, I do not think this is the way our money should be spent.

I recommend voting YES for Proposition One, and NO for Proposition Two.


The vote is this Tuesday, January 12, from 9AM to 9PM in the MED gymnasium.

As usual, in our relatively small district with a relatively small number of voters, every vote will count. While the original $35 million proposal was defeated by a margin of more than 5 to 1 (approx. 800 vote margin), the revised $6 million proposal passed by passed by only 10 (ten!) votes out of more than 800 cast. Please vote!