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Ask the Superintendent -
March 28, 2008
In last week’s column, I shared with readers that
after a careful discussion and reflection, the Board
of Education approved two propositions to be placed
on the ballot at the Annual Budget Vote and School
Board Election to be held on Tuesday, May 20th. This
week and next, I will explain in greater detail the
importance and necessity of these two propositions.
The District Facilities Improvement Proposition is
critical to address our aging infrastructure. I am
proud to say, and have even said frequently, our
buildings are clean and pristine on the inside and
out. However, their age, wear and tear from weather
and use require extensive maintenance. The Main
Street building was built in 1915; the CJ Hooker
Middle School was built in 1939; Scotchtown Avenue
School was built in 1958; the Intermediate School
was built in 1967, and the High School was built in
1976. Older buildings require more attention to
their infrastructure. All of the 9 projects proposed
were either part of the District Master Planning
process (a requirement of the State mandated 5-year
Building Condition Survey) or were to be addressed
as a portion of the capital building project which
failed last December. Seven of the nine projects
will qualify for New York State Building Aid at an
aid ratio of 58.4%.
- The High
School has aging burners, which are original to
the building. Even with regular maintenance, the
highest operational efficiency rate is only 70%.
With today’s technology and the cost of fuel, a
70% efficiency rating is totally unacceptable.
Additionally, if the burners are not burning
fuel efficiently, they are also creating
additional pollutants and emissions. Replacement
parts for these new burners are virtually
unavailable and recently some parts have had to
be custom made (a very expensive fix) at machine
shops. It is estimated that the fuel savings
alone will pay for these two burners in
approximately 5 years. Total cost for this
project: $165,000.
- The elevator
at the High School is also original equipment
and is the only elevator in the building. Due to
its age, it is also difficult to obtain parts.
It is the only access to the second floor for
handicapped individuals and for freight. Total
cost for this project: $98,000.
- The
Intermediate School elevator is 17 years old and
parts are also hard to find. It is also the only
elevator in the building and is necessary (like
the High School) to be in compliance with the
American Disability Act (ADA) as well as for
getting freight to the second floor. Total cost
for this project is $65,000.
These elevators are not going to be replaced.
These repairs are for replacement of the
controls only.
- The bleachers
at the Middle School athletic field, due to
aging, have become structurally compromised. The
District’s architectural firm has recommended
they be taken out of service immediately and
removed because they are unsafe for spectators.
The bleachers contain lead paint and require
hazmat abatement along with their removal.
Demolition and removal of the bleachers will
cost $80,000 and replacement will be $310,000.
It should be noted these bleachers came to our
school from the old “Good Time Park” and have
served us well over the many years.
- The windows at
the CJ Hooker Middle School in the auditorium
and gymnasium are original to the building and
are architecturally beautiful. Unfortunately,
they only have single pane glass which is energy
inefficient and have weathered badly. In order
to be preserved, they need major restoration
with regard to structure, lead paint abatement,
glazing, and repainting. It is estimated that
the restoration cost is $280,000. We are also
looking at (based upon the architect’s
recommendation) the possibility of replacing
them with historically acceptable, energy
efficient windows. This will take additional
study and will only be considered if they meet
the requirements of all the historical codes.
Next week I will
share the remaining four projects as well as the
Transportation proposition.
Also explained will be the total cost of both
projects, the State Aid breakdown, and the cost to
residents.
Roy Reese
Superintendent of Schools |
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