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Valley Central seeks voter approval for $10.37 million renovations plan
Summary
Valley Central School District outlined three ballot propositions — the annual budget, a $10.37 million renovation package and a new capital reserve fund — saying state aid and reserves would offset local taxes; the vote is scheduled for May 19 at Valley Central High School.
Brad Conklin, assistant superintendent for business at the Valley Central School District, told residents the district will ask voters to approve three propositions on Tuesday, May 19, including a $10,370,000 renovations package intended to address aging infrastructure and improve student performance spaces.
Conklin said Proposition 1 is the district’s annual school budget, Proposition 2 would fund renovations and repairs to aging facilities, and Proposition 3 would establish a capital reserve fund for future construction and renovation projects. The district announced voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Valley Central High School.
The district emphasized upgrades to performing-arts stages as a priority tied to its strategic plan. "The proposed project includes key improvements to district stages that will enhance performances for students, staff, and audiences alike," Conklin said. He described planned stage work including updated lighting, sound systems, flooring, curtains and storage that officials say will improve safety and community events.
Ryan Schmidt, director of facilities, said some lighting equipment at Montgomery, Berea and East Coldenham schools dates back decades: "Some of the lighting equipment dates back to the 1960s," he said, and replacing it with modern LED systems would run cooler, offer brighter and multiple-color options, and reduce heat and safety concerns during rehearsals and performances.
District officials also outlined non-arts projects covered under Proposition 2: replacement of water holding tanks at Berea and the high school that are currently inaccessible for maintenance; upgrades to auditorium dehumidification, pool heating and a hot-water storage system to improve energy efficiency; a roof replacement above the girls' locker room; and athletic-area work including an expanded pole-vault landing and added heating to the stadium restroom and concession stand.
On financing, Conklin said Proposition 2 has a maximum cost of $10,370,000 and that the district plans to apply $2,250,000 from capital reserve funds and $1,490,000 from fund balance. He said the project is expected to receive approximately 70.4% in state building aid on eligible expenses and that, "based on estimates from our fiscal advisers, applying these funds means that Proposition 2 will have no additional tax impact on taxpayers." This statement was presented as the district's estimate and was not independently verified during the presentation.
Students and former students who spoke during the presentation described the value of improved stages for morale and community engagement. One presenter said participation in school productions "lived with me forever" and argued upgraded facilities would help future students build the same memories and skills.
The district urged voters to review the three propositions and cast ballots on May 19 at the Valley Central High School gymnasium during the posted hours. No formal vote on the propositions occurred during the presentation; the district is asking the community to decide the items at the scheduled election.
The Valley Central School District said the projects aim to improve safety, performance and energy efficiency across schools while preserving community-use spaces for concerts and ceremonies.
