Vestal school district plans $45.4 million capital project. What to know before voting

Neal Simon, Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
·2 min read

Residents in the Vestal Central School District will go to the polls on Dec. 14 to decide the fate of a $45.4 million capital improvement project.

The proposal, according to a project outline and a district newsletter, focuses on "safety and security" enhancements, creating additional classroom space, upgrading building systems and installing a new field at the district's athletic complex.

The planned improvements are system wide, and would impact every school and building in the district, officials said.

What the $45.4 million capital project will cover

If approved by voters, the project work will include:

  • Updates to safety and security in all instructional buildings.

  • The construction of a two-story, six-classroom addition at the Vestal Middle School/African Road complex.

  • Roof replacements at three elementary buildings.

  • HVAC upgrades, energy improvement upgrades, asbestos abatement and restroom improvements in the district.

  • Installation of an artificial turf multi-sport surface on Dave Sammon Field.

The proposed multi-purpose turf field at Dave Sammon Field would safely extend practice seasons for various sports and provide additional options for community use in the Vestal Central School District, officials said.
The proposed multi-purpose turf field at Dave Sammon Field would safely extend practice seasons for various sports and provide additional options for community use in the Vestal Central School District, officials said.

New security measures include adding badge access to classrooms, improvements to the public announcement system and installation of cell phone amplifiers.

A new Sammon Field turf would extend practice time for Golden Bear teams and open up the complex for more community use, the district said.

The district said the increase in student enrollment at Vestal Middle School has made additional classroom space a top priority.

No tax increase as a result of the capital project

District officials said the project will have no impact on the local tax rate with state aid covering the bulk of the work. Vestal’s state-building aid ratio is approximately 80%.

The project funding breakdown is $6 million from the district, including $4 million from capital reserves, $30.6 million in state aid and nearly $5.8 million of expiring debt. Officials said the project will be financed over 15 years.

Vestal began putting together a funding structure for capital improvements in 2017 and a Building Condition Survey was completed in 2020.

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How to vote on the capital project

Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m., Dec. 14, in the Vestal Central Junior building gymnasium, 201 Main St. in Vestal. Absentee ballots can be picked up at the Vestal Central School Administration Building at 201 Main St.

To request an absentee ballot, call the district office at 607-757-2265.

The district has set a Tuesday, Dec. 20 snow date if the Dec. 14 vote can’t take place because of bad weather.

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Vestal school district $45.4M capital project vote in December