Dear Putnam Valley Community:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 28, the PVCSD community will have the opportunity to decide on the next steps for much-needed capital improvements to our school buildings and grounds. Our capital project vote will be held in the Elementary School between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The goal was always to present a project that would be tax-neutral; to minimize and stabilize the tax burden while thoughtfully planning repairs and improvements.
The proposed project includes both campuses and all three school buildings. Infrastructure improvements include replacing the aging oil burners at the elementary school by expanding and completing the existing geothermal heating and air conditioning system, redesigning and repairing the parking lot on the high school/middle school campus, including replacing the retaining wall, and improvements to the elementary school library and nurse’s office.
We have received inquiries regarding how the project can be tax-neutral, the high school weight room, and the elementary school play area.
To clarify:
- Tax-neutral: All proposed work can be completed without additional cost to the taxpayer. A combination of existing debt payments that will be rolled into the new project along with the use of capital reserve funds allows the project to be tax-neutral. State aid will offset the expense of the bond payments needed to support the project.
- Update High School Weight Room: This space is currently used for academic and physical education classes during the day, including adaptive physical education classes. Improvements will make the space more suitable for student needs and provide the IB (International Baccalaureate) dance class with a dedicated space. Some of the equipment in this space date back to 2001 when the high school first opened.
- Elementary School Play Area: An additional play area will be installed, specifically designed for students with physical disabilities and young children K-2.
For more information, please visit our website, where you will find:
- Details from our Facilities Committee meetings (beginning in May 2023)
- Our project overview video (3 minutes)
- Why Now? (Timing of the facilities vote)
- FAQ
- Five Fast Facts
- Benefits of our geothermal systems
- Newsletter mailed to all residences of PVCSD
- Board of Education presentations and videos
Vote – Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 28
- Hours: polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Location: Putnam Valley Elementary School.
- Parking: As always, designated parking will be available across from the cafeteria doors. Signage will be posted.
- Who Can Vote: Any registered resident of the Putnam Valley School District, can vote. If you have voted in any public election in the last four years you are registered to vote.
Thank you for considering the district’s proposal.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools