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Residents to cast ballots on proposed $18.9 million project Tuesday, Dec. 20

Dec. 16, 2011

The Watervliet City School District will hold a vote on Tuesday, Dec. 20 to authorize an $18.9 million construction project that would further improve school facilities and have no impact on local property taxes.

If approved, the entire project would be paid through a combination of state building aid and Qualified School Construction Bonds at no additional local cost. Watervliet schools would receive state building aid reimbursement of 93.5 cents per dollar spent on the proposed $18.9 million project.

The balance of the project would be covered by Qualified School Construction Bonds, a new state-sponsored funding program that provides money for construction projects to districts that qualify. One of 30 districts across that state to receive Quality School Construction Bonds, Watervliet was awarded $5 million—the maximum amount available through the program. It is important to note that this $5 million in funding can only be used for school construction; it cannot be applied to the school budget for academic programs or staffing.

By taking advantage of this limited-time-only funding source, the district would be able to initiate a fourth phase of building renovations and improvements to address priority facility needs that were postponed from the previous projects because of cost constraints.

“This is a unique opportunity to maximize every dollar available to our schools and the community,” said Dr. Paul Padalino, superintendent of schools. “It would be irresponsible to put off addressing our remaining facilities needs now, when the funding is available, versus later when state funding may become much harder to come by.”

Proposed improvements include roof and window replacements, classroom and corridor renovations and parking and play area refurbishment at the elementary school. Classroom and corridor renovations and upgrades to the auditorium are also proposed for the junior/senior high school. Construction of a six-lane running track and a low-maintenance, all-weather artificial turf playing field that will accommodate a variety of athletic offerings is also being considered. View architect rendering of proposed athletic facilities

Learn more about the proposed project:

Watch WVLT interview with Dr Padalino

Read scope of the project

The vote is Tuesday, December 20, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following polling locations:

• Elks Club, 4th Avenue & 5th Street – Ward I and Mannsville

• Watervliet City Hall, Broadway and 15th Street – Ward II

• Watervliet Elementary School, 10th Avenue and 25th Street – Ward III

• Hanratta Apartments, 500-16th Street – Ward IV