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Frontier Central plans no‑tax‑impact districtwide safety upgrades; board to consider proposal in November
Summary
District staff described a proposed $7.5–$9 million capital project to modernize locks, PA systems, cameras and access controls across seven buildings; plan would use MCA‑aidable funding and, if approved for referendum, would be presented to voters in January with no tax impact.
Frontier Central School District officials outlined a proposed districtwide safety capital project at the Oct. 22 board meeting and said they will present a formal plan in November before a January vote.
District staff said the proposal would use MCA‑aidable capital funding and be structured to have no tax impact on local homeowners. "We can go out with a no cost, no tax impact to the taxpayers this school year for a small capital project anywhere between 7 and a half to 9,000,000," a district facilities representative said, describing a scope that includes wireless door locks, video intercoms, upgraded public address and clock systems, and classroom door automation.
The district is working with financial advisor RJ Timbs, architects Gordon Jones Associates and security integrator Day Automation. Officials said the goal is to complete planning and return to the board in November, publicize the project for the required 60‑day window, and hold a community referendum in January. The State Education Department (SED) expedited plan review process for third‑party architects was cited as shortening the timeline to a three‑to‑five week approval window once plans are filed.
Staff said the project would start construction after the 2025–26 school year, with work staged so elementary upgrades can be completed faster because of smaller building footprints. The district said it has paid down enough prior debt to provide budget cushion for a short‑term capital borrowing approach that would preserve a zero percent tax impact.
Separately, the Facilities Committee reported continuing work on high school phase‑3 capital projects — including the pool and the new counseling/student union space — plus tennis courts, new marquees, and a temporary concession structure that will later be moved to a middle school when the permanent high‑school concession building is finished.
Board members asked for a formal November presentation that will include a detailed scope and cost estimate. If the board approves the November resolution to proceed, the district clerk will begin the 60‑day public notification required before a January referendum vote.
