Capital Improvement Project 2021
Project Information
Voters in the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District will weigh in on a $26.6 million capital project proposal when they head to the polls on May 18th. The proposal addresses major infrastructure needs in all three of the school buildings and enhances instructional spaces at the high school.
Replacing leaking roofs as well as faulty HVAC plumbing and electrical systems were quickly identified as top priorities by the Facilities Planning Committee, which worked side by side with BBS Architects over the course of more than one year. The Committee also agreed with Superintendent Kaishian that converting outdated spaces into a 21st Century “Learning Exchange” at the high school was a crucial investment. More than two thirds of the project would be infrastructure related and one-third going to upgrading educational spaces.
The investments can be made without any increase in the tax levy.
"The ROI (return on investment) would be manifold,” said Superintendent Kaishian “The project would ensure our facilities remain safe, clean and efficient, that our educational spaces are better aligned with current instructional practices and it would make our high school a more attractive destination to the 80 to 100 tuition paying students the District receives each year.”
In its desire to promote a fiscally responsible capital plan, the District's Facilities Planning Committee developed an approach that would direct millions of dollars in capital work as debt service would be retiring from the books. As prior debt service payments come to an end, the District would be begin financing this project. An additional benefit would be that it is estimated the state would aid up to 30% of capital improvement project expenses.
While the voters of Briarcliff have passed smaller bond propositions in recent years, the last significant improvement plan for the District's school buildings was approved more than 20 years ago and did not include the spaces currently under consideration. The proposed project provides tremendous opportunities for students and teachers while addressing the safety and infrastructure needs of the District.
Project Documents
