Schools

Upgraded Security, Better Buildings Coming to Croton-Harmon Schools

After a successful vote, "we can now move forward with a series of facilities improvement projects by utilizing up to $4 million in existing Capital Reserve funds and avoid having to create new taxes."

The Croton-Harmon Board of Education would like to extend a thanks to the community members who came out -- on a crazy cold day -- in favor of school improvement. The $4 Million Capital Reserve initiative passed by a wide margin: 198 to 48. 

Here's a letter from the Board:

Dear Croton-Harmon School District residents,

Many thanks to voters who came out in the freezing weather on Jan. 23 for the Capital Reserve referendum. The initiative passed by a vote of 198-48. 

With this support, we can now move forward with a series of facilities improvement projects by utilizing up to $4 million in existing Capital Reserve funds and avoid having to create new taxes to support this important work. Many of these projects will make our schools safer by adding lighting, reconfiguring entryways into our schools, adding security locks and improving communication systems – including backup systems in the event of an emergency. Other basic building systems will also be upgraded and there are instructional, performing arts and athletic facility benefits to this as well. 

These projects are also eligible for state aid and may be offset by as much as 21%. Since the Board of Education adopted the practice of using a Capital Reserve to address our school facilities needs, we have improved numerous building systems without having to fund them in the annual budget or borrow money through bonding. This practice has allowed us to better manage the tax levy and still address necessary maintenance to our buildings, provide much-needed facility upgrades, and enhance instructional resources for students.

The Board will continue to research and implement cost-effective initiatives to operate our schools efficiently, safely and effectively. Once again, thank you for your ongoing support! 

Sincerely,
Andrea Furey, President, Giuseppina Miller, Vice President
Iris Bugliosi, Joshua Diamond, Neal Haber, Lisa Wolland and Karen Zevin
The Croton-Harmon Board of Education


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