“Instruction drives construction.”
You may hear that a few times between now and December 13, when YOU can vote on a proposed Capital Improvement Project designed to enhance the facilities of the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District.
So, what is this “instruction drives construction” Capital Project all about?
It's about safety, which is paramount on everyone’s mind these days. We want to reassure everyone – parents, guardians, students, staff and other community members – that our schools are as safe as possible. That’s why this project includes security enhancements such as creating a single point of entry at the Middle/High School, strengthening the hardware of interior doors, and upgrading our in-building communications systems.
It’s about instructional programs, which fuel our mission to inspire and empower each learner to reach their full potential. We know there are several different pathways to success, and we want to responsibly meet the learning needs of all of our students moving forward. That’s why this project supports new and existing hands-on learning opportunities through the creation of an outdoor learning and play area, as well as renovations to spaces dedicated to STEAM learning, large-group gatherings, and athletics.
It's also about infrastructure, which is instrumental in bringing SECSD’s vision to be an innovative, high performing rural school district delivering educational excellence to fruition. We want to make sure that we have the appropriate physical framework in place to support all of our instructional programs. That’s why this project features the replacement of classroom flooring in the Elementary School, upgrades to our electrical power distribution, and improvements to classrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms and the MS/HS courtyard.
The scope of the Capital Project also includes renovations to Marauder Stadium such as installing a multi-purpose synthetic turf field, widening and reinforcing the surrounding track, creating/relocating/regrading areas for field events, and adding a new video scoreboard.
The specifics of what our proposed Capital Project would cover was a collaborative effort that included a building-condition survey and a facilities committee comprised of parents, faculty and staff, Board members, and community members. With the help of stakeholder representation across the board, we propose a $29 million Capital Project that will improve the educational experience for everyone in the SECSD community with no additional tax impact.
How is that possible? More than $26 million will come from New York State Building Aid, with our Capital Reserve accounting for $1.971 million and our Budget Savings covering the remaining $896,571. We are in a position to present this Capital Project to the SECSD community with a zero additional tax impact because the district’s financial planning has always been very strong, which is a credit to Assistant Superintendent for Business Todd Griffin, our Board of Education leadership, and previous superintendents.
We hope you took the opportunity to ask questions in person at one of our four public presentations leading up to the Capital Project Vote on December 13, and we encourage you to cast your vote from noon-8 p.m. that day at the MS/HS Auditorium entrance.
Robert G. Berson
Superintendent of Schools
Sherburne-Earlville CSD
Posted 12/12/2022