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Onteora superintendent outlines revised $41.9 million capital plan ahead of Dec. 10 vote
Summary
Superintendent Victoria McLaren presented two separate propositions totaling $41.9 million to modernize schools and decide grade configuration; Proposition 1 ($26.9M) would expand elementary capacity and infrastructure, Proposition 2 ($15M) would fund K–12 renovations; McLaren said neither proposition requires a tax-levy increase as presented.
Victoria McLaren, superintendent of the Onteora Central School District, outlined a revised two-part capital project and urged residents to vote on Dec. 10.
"We're here to discuss an important vote coming up on December 10, the revised capital project plan for our school district," McLaren said, explaining the administration split the original proposal into two propositions after public feedback.
The plan combines two ballot measures totaling $41.9 million: Proposition 1 is budgeted at $26,900,000 and focuses on elementary expansion and site infrastructure; Proposition 2 is estimated at $15,000,000 and covers district-wide renovations and modernization.
Proposition 1 would create space for all K–5 students at the elementary building by adding eight classrooms, restrooms in kindergarten classrooms and the hallway, a larger art room, an expanded library, a new main entrance with a security vestibule and main office, and exterior restrooms to support athletic events. The package also includes electrical-service upgrades, air conditioning in new and renovated spaces, new boilers, a safer drop-off/pickup loop, relocation of outdoor play space and parking, sanitary sewer replacement and drainage work, and fuel tank relocation or replacement.
McLaren said the board has already voted to close Woodstock Elementary School and that the district plans to centralize on a single campus starting in 2028. "Proposition 1 will determine the grade configuration of our district when we centralize in 2028," she said. If Proposition 1 passes, K–5 would remain at the elementary level and grades 6–8 would remain at the middle school; if it fails, the district would plan for a K–4 elementary configuration and incorporate fifth grade into the middle school.
Proposition 2 would fund upgrades across the K–12 footprint, including modernization and expansion of two elementary music rooms with soundproofing, restroom renovations, updated ceilings and lighting, new windows on the front of the building to improve efficiency, modernization of three high school science classrooms, renovation of the nurse's suite to improve privacy, drainage improvements to athletic fields and track resurfacing.
McLaren described the financing plan for Proposition 1 as bond-funded at $26.9 million, supplemented by state aid and operational savings from centralizing. She said the district anticipates $3,200,000 in operational savings and over $687,000 in state aid, with about $2,400,000 applied annually toward the bond payment, and asserted that the plan would not require an increase to the tax levy. For Proposition 2, McLaren said the district would use existing reserves, state aid and cash on hand so that no new borrowing would be necessary and there would be no tax-levy increase for that measure.
"This approach demonstrates fiscal responsibility while ensuring long term sustainability," McLaren said, adding that together the propositions are expected to leave the district with a cushion of over $1,700,000 each year after bond payments.
Voting logistics: early mail ballots are available; residents must apply in person by Dec. 9 to receive a ballot and return ballots by Dec. 10. In-person voting will be available on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the high school from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and a drop box will be available at Woodstock Elementary from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. McLaren directed listeners to the district website for FAQs, photos of current conditions and design concepts and encouraged voters to review materials and raise questions before the vote.
The presentation was delivered by McLaren with Monica LeClaire, assistant superintendent for business, introduced at the start of the remarks. The board's prior decision to close Woodstock Elementary and the planned 2028 centralization are the only formal actions referenced in the remarks; no vote on the capital propositions occurred during this presentation.
Next steps: the public vote on the two propositions is scheduled for Dec. 10, and the district has posted supplemental materials on its website for voters seeking more detail.
