Brewster School Board Seeks OK For $83 Million Improvement Plan

BREWSTER, NY — The Brewster Board of Education is asking residents to consider two linked capital project proposals to address infrastructure repairs and educational enhancements throughout the district that have been designed to secure maximum state aid.

Proposition 1, for example, would be entirely tax neutral, meaning it would not lead to an increase in school taxes. Proposition 2 would have has an estimated tax impact of approximately $20 per year, or$1.65 per month, per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value.

A vote on both is scheduled for March 21 at Brewster High School.

To arrive at its final proposals, the school board used recommendations from its pre-bond committee on the highest priority projects needed to renovate, repair and upgrade the district's schools.

The board also accepted the committee's recommendation that voters be asked to approve the work in two propositions; the first would have to pass for the work in the second proposition to be done.

• Proposition 1: $59,988,000. It would provide for high priority infrastructure improvements across all four school buildings and campuses, including roofs, boilers, paving repairs, replacement of the existing synthetic turf field, replacement of the existing track and installation of a new synthetic turf field within it. The project also features a security vestibule expansion and increased parking at Brewster High School. At C.V. Starr Intermediate School, a new cafetorium, as well as the renovation of the existing cafeteria into new classroom spaces are also planned.
• Proposition 2: $23,126,000. It would provide for the 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 in need of a spacious indoor facility. This proposition would also include interior renovations that would create space for a state-of-the-art STEAM Lab, allowing for experiential career and technical opportunities in the fields of construction, carpentry, architecture, HVAC, electrical and plumbing.

"This is the result of a great deal of work and research over the past two years by our Facilities Committee and takes into consideration the results of a state-mandated facilities review that was conducted in 2021," said Board President Kerry Cunningham. "We believe our students deserve the best we can offer and the projects included in the two propositions will not only address infrastructure upgrades but will enhance the learning experience for our students."

The school board, which solicited public input through the use of surveys and community forums, continues to welcome public comment and questions at their regularly scheduled bi-monthly meetings.

Also, three informational sessions are scheduled for public comment and questions:

• Jan. 31 at Brewster High School at 6:30 p.m.
• March 7 at C.V. Star Intermediate School at 6:30 p.m.
• March 14 at JFK Elementary School at 9:15 a.m.

Additionally, comments and questions may be submitted via email to CapitalProjects@brewsterschools.org.

More information is available on the Brewster Vision Capital Project page of the district’s website.

To vote, residents must be registered for either school elections or general elections. To be eligible to register, residents must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age by the date of the vote, and a resident of the district for at least thirty days prior to the election. The last day for registration for this vote is March 15, 2023. Absentee ballot applications are available at https://www.brewsterschools.or... or by contacting the District Clerk at 845-279-8000 x 6121.