QUESTIONS WELCOME
Haverling school district to host info meeting on capital project
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

The Haverling school district's proposed capital project includes a plan to improve traffic congestion in front of the primary school during pick-up and drop-off periods.

BATH - Residents of the Haverling school district will have an opportunity this week to learn more about a proposed $16.5 million capital project that goes up for vote March 19.

A public informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 11 in the high school auditorium. School officials will review details of the capital project, which school board members pared from a previous $19 project voters rejected in December 2007. The meeting will then be opened to district residents' questions.

School Superintendent Marion Tunney already has announced the project would have no impact on local school taxes. State building aid, one-time EXCEL aid and capital reserves will cover the cost of the project, she said.

The revised capital project includes provisions to replace roofs on the primary, elementary, middle and high schools and to upgrade school security systems at school entrances.

The school district also plans to upgrade its information technology infrastructure and add SMART Boards - an electronic equivalent of the old slate blackboard - to classrooms.

Additional features include:

• Maintenance and repairs recommended in a building condition survey completed in 2007

In the primary school:

• An improved drop-off area in front of the building to relieve congestion

• An enlarged gymnasium • Additional parking

• Kitchen upgrades

In the elementary/middle and high schools:

• Increased classroom size in the 5th and 6th grades

• New auditorium rigging and lighting systems

• Improved ventilation

• Renovation restrooms and locker rooms for handicapped accessibility

In the wake of voters' rejection of the previous capital project, school board members eliminated a $1 million proposal to install artificial turf on the foootball field. The board also eliminated a proposal to purchase land for additional parking near the soccer field.