Haverling building project: back to the drawing board
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - Voters in the Haverling school district last week nixed a proposed $18 million capital project and a second $1 million project to install artificial turf at he football field.

It's likely, however, school district residents will see a second capital proposal in 2008. Board members meeting after the vote agreed to meet in January for a workshop to consider future steps.

The main project, which would have renovated facilities and outdoor areas across the school campus, was voted down, 421-353. Voters rejected the artificial turf proposal by a larger 505-268 majority.

"There are things in those buildings that need attention," said school Superintendent Marion Tunney Thursday. "Unless we just forget about doing the capital project, the total cost will be borne by taxpayers, and we're trying to avoid that."

School officials said the building project would have qualified for a 94 percent reimbursement from New York state. In addition, the state's EXCEL program was to be tapped for a one-time infusion of $1.5 million.

Approved together, both propositions would have added one dollar to the annual school tax on a $50,000 property, according to the school district.

Tunney said the EXCEL money appears to be available next year. "There has been no talk of EXCEL money going away," she said. "As far as we know, it will be there until we use it."

The rejected capital project called 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