Port Chester Voters OK $80M Capital Bond Project

PORT CHESTER, NY — Voters in the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District narrowly approved an $80 million capital bond project Tuesday.

The final vote was 1,307 to 1,278 — a difference of 29 votes. The unofficial vote total included absentee ballots, according to a district spokeswoman.

Superintendent Dr. Edward Kliszus said the vote was a victory for the students.

“Thank you to every Port Chester community member who used their vote to show their support,” he said.

Board President Jim Dreves said he was thrilled the bond measure passed, especially in light of the fact that the previous one was rejected at the polls.

“After our last bond was voted down, we knew the challenges we would face in getting this even more expansive project passed,” he said.

“It has been a carefully conceived, deliberate plan to identify our district’s urgent needs and share that immediacy with the public,” Dreves said.

Of the $79.95 million project, 66 percent of allowable expenses are eligible for state reimbursement, according to a district spokeswoman.

The 24-year average annual cost to Port Chester taxpayers will be an estimated $75 per $100,000 of property assessment.

The project includes facility upgrades for athletics and the arts, including a new high school gymnasium. At the secondary level, it will provide more space for elective and honors classes.

For more information about the capital project, go here.

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