Haverling building vote set for Tuesday
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH- Residents of the Haverling school district go to the polls Tuesday to vote on a $18 million capital project that would renovate school buildings and outdoor areas across the district campus.

Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. in the main auditorium lobby.

District residents will also vote on a separate $1 million proposition authorizing the installation of artificial turf at the football field. That proposition, however, is contingent on passage of the first proposition.

District officials have calculated the $18-million project would add 80 cents to the annual school tax bill of a property valued at $50,000 and qualifying for New York's basic STAR exemption. The project would have no impact on the tax bill of a senior citizen with a $50,000 property and full STAR exemption.

Approved together, the two propositions would create the following tax impacts:

• One dollar per year for a $50,000 property covered by the basic STAR exemption

• No impact for a $50,000 property covered by the full STAR exemption.

The project calls for an array of renovations and improvements to the primary, elementary, middle and high schools, including:

• Enhanced electronic security measures

• Improved electronic data infrastructure

• Additional "smart boards" for classrooms

• Larger 5th and 6th grade classrooms

• New roofing

• Improved rigging and sound and light systems in the high school auditorium

• Renovations to the high school cafeteria to accommodate larger shifts of students

• Upgraded boys' and girls' locker rooms.

• Expanding parking space at the district's soccer field

School Superintendent Marion Tunney during public informational meetings held over the past two weeks noted the project would qualify for a 94 percent reimbursement through New York state building aid. In addition, the state EXCEL program would provide a one-time additional infusion of $1.5 million.

"The timing is good on this," Tunney told area resident at a Dec. 5 public meeting.