Port Chester-Rye School Board Sets Vote for Capital Improvement Project

RYE BROOK, NY – The Portchester-Rye Union Free School District board of education approved a capital project proposal that will go before voters on March 28, 2017.

The plan, which was approved Jan. 31, was developed with the guidance of a community-driven Bond Advisory Council.

This project proposes a plan to secure capital funding – through borrowing and state aid – to create new and renovated spaces for five out of six schools, including all neighborhood elementary schools.

The total cost of all additions, renovations and upgrades included in the 2017 Capital Project is $79,950,000, according to a district spokeswoman.

From the district press release:

This capital project would add the space needed to solve the district-wide problem of classrooms functioning at or near capacity – an issue the district was cited for by the Middle States Accreditation Commission. The plan is critical to meet the needs of a student body that is forecasted for continued growth through 2020.

“This project is necessary to ensure that we can continue to serve our current and future students with an exceptional learning experience by giving them the space and attention they deserve,” said Superintendent of Schools Edward Kliszus. “The consensus of the Bond Advisory Council, and subsequently the Board of Education, is that expansion and renovations to district facilities are necessary and should begin as soon as possible.”

A huge benefit of this project is smaller class sizes which improve teacher-to-student ratio and allow for the type of tailored instruction that contributes to better academic achievement, test scores and graduation rates.

Space added by the capital project would also allow for added services to students with disabilities, and allow them full access to the mainstream curriculum. At the secondary level, it would provide more space for elective and honors classes, such as the International Baccalaureate program, to better prepare students for college and employment after graduation.

The capital project additionally includes facility upgrades for athletics and the arts. Among these, the proposed new high school gymnasium would increase capacity for instruction, while bringing competition space up to State High School Association standards. This would enable the district to host state tournament and championship games. New full size rehearsal spaces for the choral and band programs will make space for greater educational programming in the presently overused auditorium.

Collectively, the district-wide enhancements proposed by the capital project deliver the best possible educational opportunities to students at every level. This initiative would raise the academic profile of the district and positively impact the entire community.

If approved, the 24-year average annual cost to Port Chester taxpayers will be $75 per $100,000 of property assessment, a district spokeswoman said.

The designated polling place for the March 28 vote is Port Chester Middle School, located at 113 Bowman Avenue, in Rye Brook. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more detailed information on the items included in the capital project, including answers to many frequently asked questions, please visit www.portchesterschools.org.

Photo credit: Google Maps.