By Carol P. Bartold, Senior Reporter

Jan. 24, 2018: In a unanimous roll call vote at its January 18 meeting, the Bronxville Board of Education authorized a referendum to be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Voting will take place from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Blue Gym. 

Voters will address the question of approving a $21.8 million bond to help finance the school’s $24.8 million capital improvement project. Board president Jeff Rohr stated that the district plans to use $1 million from its capital reserve fund and $2 million from operations to finance the remainder of the project. The district also expects to receive state aid for the project from the New York State Department of Education, which could range from ten to twenty percent of the total cost. He said those funds could be used to offset interest on the proposed bond. 

Rohr noted that the board has been deferring projects for several years in order to group them together into the bond rather than a series of smaller projects requiring a series of referendums over several years. The board and administration’s strategy to achieve a tax-neutral bond involves timing the proposed bond to replace current debt that will be retired in 2020. 

“We looked at this as an opportunity to group everything into one bond so there would be no increase in taxes,” Rohr stated. He added that the board scaled back the project so that it will achieve tax neutrality. 

The capital plan includes site improvements, needed improvements to existing infrastructure, and new infrastructure projects that will enhance the school’s learning and service environment. Superintendent Dr. Roy Montesano noted that, since the beginning of the academic year, the board and administration, as well as architects, engineers, and various groups of parents and community members, have examined and prioritized the extensive improvements to be included in the capital project. 

Montesano announced that the district plans to hold community forums, conduct tours of the school building, and publish information about the capital project on the school website. In the coming weeks, the website will have a list of items in the project and their associated costs and renderings of various planned improvements. 

“We know how important it is for these things to be done,” Jeff Rohr emphasized, “so our school can continue to be recognized as one of the very best schools in the country.” 

Board member Thomas Curran called for community engagement with the capital project and urged residents to vote on March 13. “I hope that people are engaged and will reach out and learn the facts to establish their own comfort level on what the board has worked very hard and carefully on,” he said.

Pictured here:  Dr. Montesano greets SFL officers before their presentation about Pursuit of Happiness Day, January 29.

Photo by A. Warner