Croton-Harmon Proposes School Buildings Bond Vote with No Additional Taxes

The Croton-Harmon School District’s board of education voted at its Aug. 4 meeting to adopt a resolution that would call for the district moving forward with plans for a community vote on a district-wide facilities project on Oct.18.

The proposition, which if approved, would include building improvements at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School, Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, Croton-Harmon High School, the District Office and Transportation Facility, would not raise residents' property taxes.

The scope of the work is anticipated not to exceed $20,820,000. In adopting the resolution, the board of education emphasized that if the proposition is approved by voters, there will be no additional tax impact to the community. This is because the district has existing debt that is retiring. The new debt associated with the proposed bond referendum will essentially “replace” this old debt, resulting in no additional tax impact to residents.

The proposition includes facility improvements that were determined after lengthy discussions with administrators and the district’s architects, site visits and garnering of community input and included in the district’s five-year capital facilities plan, such as upgrades to HVAC (heating, ventilation, air condition) systems, exterior window/wall replacement at CET, creation of 21 st century learning spaces, replacement of the CHHS fire alarm system, additional security measures, renovated parking lots and pathways, upgrading of septic systems and other infrastructural needs.

Residents are invited to view information about thescope of the proposition on the district website. The district will additionally be sharing information related to the proposal and facilities through social media. You may “like” Croton-Harmon Schools on Facebook and “follow” @CHUFSD on Twitter, as well as follow the Twitter hashtag #CHUFSDBondVote to stay informed. The district will also send out information regarding the proposed plan to residents in the early fall.

From the Croton-Harmon Board of Education