ELDRED – Voters Tuesday gave the Eldred Central School District the nod to borrow $11.16 million to help pay for upgrades and renovations at George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School and Eldred Junior Senior High School.
The vote was 128 to 44, according to official figures certified by the Board of Education Tuesday night.
Taxes will not increase due to this project.
There will be no tax impact from this project because the funds will be borrowed only after two existing bonds – which are a type of loan – are paid off in 2025. The project’s total cost is $12.73 million, with the district funding the difference from its reserves. The state will reimburse a portion of costs. Construction will take place from 2024 to 2026.
Highlights of the bond project include:
- George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School: A new roof will replace the leaky original roof, which is near the end of its useful life. New sidewalks will replace cracked, unsafe sidewalks.
- Eldred Junior Senior High School: A wider all-weather football field and track, which also will host soccer games and be open to the community, will be installed. In recent years, one-third of home sports events were cancelled due to unsafe conditions for student athletes. Fans’ experiences at sports events will be enhanced through new and expanded restrooms to replace aged and insufficient facilities at the field, the addition of a new concession stand for the first time, and new seating on the hill overlooking the field.
- Both schools: Libraries will be upgraded into global learning centers, which will be multipurpose areas that foster collaboration, communication and academic growth. Both schools also would add a “maker’s space” for independent learning and teacher-directed group or individual projects.
Learn more about the improvements and view videos and a PowerPoint at Eldred.k12.ny.us.
