Clarkstown Central School District announces upcoming bond vote

Improvements to HVAC, Electrical, Windows, Flooring Carry No Additional Taxpayer Burden

On August 8, the Clarkstown Central School District (CCSD) Board of Education adopted a resolution to present a $110 million bond proposal to the greater Clarkstown community for a vote on October 8, 2024. The proposed bond is tax-neutral, meaning the District would not need to raise additional tax revenue to support the large-scale improvement project.

The referendum, if approved by voters, would address facility upgrades in all nine CCSD elementary schools and the Birchwood School in West Nyack. With an average building age of 61 years, the District has extensively reviewed all facilities to ensure the schools meet the programmatic and health and safety needs of all students and staff.

 “The timing of this capital project is key as we retire debt and look to finance the improvements by maximizing the availability of State building aid,” said Superintendent of Schools Marc Baiocco, Ed.D. “This project looks to the future, continuing to provide safe, healthy learning environments for our students with no additional tax impact on our residents.”

 Proposed improvements include electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems which, in some cases, have outlived their anticipated life expectancy and are no longer cost-efficient to operate. Similarly, windows and flooring will be replaced after many years of regular use.

 Fresh air and classroom temperature have a direct impact on student learning and personal growth. The District’s goal is to provide Clarkstown students and staff with an educational environment that is both comfortable and healthy.

 The Board of Education, working closely with CCSD’s Department of Fiscal Management, strategically planned for the referendum to address the District’s critical facility needs by timing the new bond with the expiration of debt from previous projects. This tactic will provide CCSD with an opportunity to complete a great deal of necessary work without the need to raise additional taxes.

 If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2026 and be completed in Summer 2031. It is expected that construction will be scheduled as a series of two-year stages within the five-year period. Electrical and infrastructure upgrades will likely be scheduled for the first year of each stage, followed by HVAC, flooring and window renovations the following year.

 A second phase of the project is expected to include improvements to Felix Festa Middle School, Clarkstown High School North and Clarkstown High School South.

 The October 8 vote is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

District 1: Street Community Center

31 Zukor Road, New City, New York

District 2: Congers Community Center (Upper Level)

8 Gilchrest Road, Congers, New York

District 3: Chestnut Grove Administration Center

62 Old Middletown Road, New City, New York

 District 4: Clarkstown Reformed Church

107 Strawtown Road, West Nyack, New York