Voters approve $45.4 million Vestal school capital project

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

Vestal Central School District voters Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a $45.4 million capital project that will upgrade security, create additional classrooms and install a new field at the Golden Bear athletic complex.

The project, which district officials say will have no impact on local tax rates, passed 312-144 or with about 68% in favor and 32% opposed.

The capital improvements will be system-wide and impact every school and building in the district, officials said.

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The Vestal Capital Project 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.

According to the district, security enhancements include adding badge access for classrooms, making improvements to the public announcement system and installing cell phone amplifiers.

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

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

Project work is expected to begin in spring 2024 and continue for up to three years, Vestal School Superintendent Jeffrey Ahearn said.

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Vestal school district voters pass $5.4 million capital project