2024 Bond Referendum
At a Glance
- Project Scope: HVAC, window and flooring upgrades at all nine elementary schools and the Birchwood School
- Construction Timeline: Summer 2026 - Summer 2031 (expected)
- Project Budget: $110 million
- Tax neutral / no increase to current taxes*
*Current debt that is scheduled to retire along with anticipated New York State Building Aid is expected to equal or exceed the cost of the debt service on the proposed bond resulting in borrowing that is not expected to create additional tax expense to property owners over current taxes.
On October 8, 2024, voters in the Clarkstown Central School District will be asked to consider a $110 million bond referendum to support key facilities improvements in all nine CCSD elementary schools and the Birchwood School. The bond, through the use of strategic financing and New York State Building Aid, will be tax neutral — which means no increase to current taxes.
Just like in a private home, periodic upgrades must be made to school 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 must be replaced after many years of regular use. In short, the proposed scope of work includes key infrastructure improvements which have a direct impact on student learning, and student and staff health and safety.
While routine facilities maintenance is included in CCSD's annual budget, the scope of work proposed in the borrowing is too large to include without impacting programs and significantly increasing taxes. For the past several months, the Board of Education listened to the opinions and concerns of community residents, carefully analyzed the infrastructure needs of each building with the District’s architect and explored all financial options currently available to lessen the burden on Clarkstown taxpayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a bond referendum?
- How would the proposed project be financed?
- What is the scope of the proposed capital improvement bond project?
- How was the proposed scope developed?
- Why would the proposed project start with the elementary schools and the Birchwood School?
- Why is there a need for these projects?
- What is the anticipated construction timeline?
- Would construction impact students or staff?
- What if the bond is defeated?
- What will the proposition say?
- How can I learn more about the proposed bond referendum?
- Voter Information