Frontier board approves Shield Project for Jan. 20 vote, says no tax increase planned

The Frontier Central School District board on Monday voted to adopt a negative environmental declaration and to put the proposed "Shield Project" before district voters on Jan. 20, 2026. The project, described by district presenters as a safety- and facility-focused capital plan, would fund upgrades across multiple buildings including PA and intercom systems, video entry, card-access doors, visitor-management upgrades for elementary schools, additional cameras and radio repeaters, and select elevator and roof work if funds permit.

Superintendent Christopher J. Swiatek and facilities staff told the board the project is structured so it would not increase the tax levy. Administrators said the district has the capacity—derived from paying down existing debt service ahead of schedule—to issue new debt without raising taxes, and described roughly a $9,000,000 cushion that could be used as part of the financing plan. The administration said the financing strategy would pay down current debt service to create borrowing capacity and then issue new bonds to cover the project cost; they added the district would prioritize work if costs escalate.

Why it matters: The package aims to accelerate security, communication and health-and-safety investments across Frontier facilities without asking taxpayers to pay extra, according to district officials. If approved by voters the work would begin in spring or summer and be phased over an estimated 18-month cycle.

What the board did: The board first adopted a negative declaration under the environmental-review process referenced in the transcript (described by district speakers as "SEEKER" regulations) after a staff review of environmental impacts. The board then approved a resolution setting the special meeting and vote for 7:00 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2026 in the Falcon Center gymnasium, 4540 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg. The resolution also included a declaration of intent to reimburse authorized expenditures with bond proceeds, per U.S. Treasury rules.

Questions and contingencies: Members of the public pressed the presenters on cost overruns and guarantees that the project would not shift costs to taxpayers. District staff said they lack the authority to borrow beyond approved capacity and would defer or re-scope elements if bids exceed estimates. Presenters acknowledged that not every listed item may be completed initially but said the district expects to deliver roughly 80% of prioritized work under the proposed budget.

Next steps: With the board resolution adopted, the proposal will appear on the Jan. 20, 2026 ballot. If voters approve the proposition the district will proceed with procurement and scheduling; the administration said many of the work items could begin the following spring/summer and be completed within an 18-month timeframe.