Brewster District Voters Approve School Improvement Projects

BREWSTER, NY — Brewster district voters on Tuesday approved spending $83 million in a set of capital projects to upgrade, repair and enhance the schools and athletic fields in a referendum that saw more support for Proposition 1 than for Proposition 2.

The tally was 746 "yes" to 452 "no" votes for Proposition 1, which covered high-priority infrastructure improvements across all four school buildings and campuses; replacement of the existing synthetic turf field; replacement of the existing track and installation of a new synthetic turf field within it; a security vestibule expansion and increased parking at Brewster High School; and at C.V. Starr Intermediate School, a new cafetorium and renovation of the existing cafeteria into new classroom spaces.

Proposition 2 passed more narrowly, by a vote of 639 to 557. It will pay for construction of an indoor field house and collegiate-style fitness center at Brewster High School for use by interscholastic and youth sports programs as well as the performing arts program, NJROTC and other school and community groups; and renovations for a state-of-the-art STEAM Lab, allowing for career and technical opportunities in the fields of construction, carpentry, architecture, HVAC, electrical and plumbing.

"I want to thank Brewster voters for supporting students by providing safe and state of the art learning facilities as well as providing funds for critical improvements across the district," said Superintendent Laurie Bandlow.

Proposition 1 had a price tag of $59,988,000 but was considered tax-neutral, while Proposition 2, with a price tag of $23,126,000, has an estimated tax impact of $20 per year, or$1.65 per month, per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value.

Board of Education President Kerry Cunningham said the trustees were grateful for the community's support of both.