Voters OK school projects in Beacon, Red Hook, Spackenkill

Voters in three local school districts overwhelmingly approved millions of dollars in capital-project spending on Tuesday.

The Beacon, Red Hook and Spackenkill districts all had plans up for votes, with total estimated costs at $9 million in Beacon, $10 million in Red Hook and $24 million in Spackenkill. 

School districts often put capital plans up for vote alongside budgets in May. Referendums in December are less common.

PROJECTS: Plans up for vote in Beacon, Red Hook, Spackenkill

SPENDING: Local school budgets pass, voter turnout varies

CAPITAL PLAN: Webutuck voters approve $5.1M in capital improvements

But in Red Hook and Spackenkill, more people cast ballots Tuesday than during the annual budget votes this year.

Beacon

The Beacon school district's capital plan calls for health and safety upgrades and repairs, according to a presentation. Rombout Middle School will get a renovated science lab and home and careers classroom, and Beacon High School will get a new artificial turf athletic field.

Voters approved the plan 480-98.

Because of available funds and retiring debt, officials said the projects can be paid for with no new Beacon school tax increases.

Beacon will pay for its projects with $7.6 million in bonds, $1 million in capital reserve funds and $342,002 in Expanding our Children’s Education and Learning funds. About 67 percent of the cost is reimbursable through state building aid.

"We are very excited about the results," schools Superintendent Matthew Landahl said, noting planning would begin Wednesday."We appreciate the support of the community and we are excited to continue working together for the young people."

Red Hook

Red Hook High School will get an auditorium after residents approved the district's capital plan with a vote of 1,637 to 615. 

It will be funded with $6.5 million in bonds, along with a $3.5 million grant. About 64 percent of the cost qualifies for state aid.

"I am thrilled that the community decided to support this important project," said Superintendent Paul Finch. "This performance space will change lives in positive ways for decades to come. I'd like to assure the community that we (will) not stop working until this project is completed on time and under budget." 

Voter turnout on Tuesday was 93 percent higher than it was in May, when 1,166 people cast budget and school board ballots.

Finch attributed the increase to "the fact that we have a grant for $3.5 million and several successful capital projects under our belt."

The tax impact of the project will be an estimated increase of $30 or less for a resident with a home assessed at $250,000, Finch said.

Spackenkill

The Spackenkill school district's plan includes roof replacements, fire alarm and accessibility upgrades, and a new track and turf field at the high school.

Voters approved the plan 882-385, school board President Thomas Keith Jr. said.

Turnout was more than double the 610 people who cast ballots in May during the district's budget and school board vote. 

Spackenkill's project will be funded with $21.8 million in bonds and $2.5 million in reserves. About 58 percent of the cost qualifies for state aid. 

The tax impact of the project depends on a number of factors, including the district paying down its other debt and the year in which the bond is first issued, officials say. Estimated residential and commercial tax increases fluctuate each year.

"The estimated (average increase) of $113.38 for a home assessed at $200,000 is for the new debt issuance only," said Superintendent Mark Villanti. "When these (other) factors are taken into consideration, the net annual amount of $9.78 per $200,00 assessment will be the average added cost to the taxpayer. It may be higher or lower, depending on the timing of the borrowings."

Commercial property owners in Spackenkill will pay an average of $141 more in taxes for each $100,000 of assessed value. Taking the other factors into consideration, the average annual increase would be $12 per $100,000 of value.

Nina Schutzman: nschutzman@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-451-4518, Twitter: @pojonschutzman