White Plains School Board to Hold $48 Mil Bond Vote
At a special meeting last week, the White Plains Board of Education voted to hold a special election on Tues., October 23, on the issuance of $48.2 million in bonds for reconstruction and construction of improvements to some of the district’s buildings and facilities.
Acting on the recommendation of the 2012 Facility Task Force, chaired by Superintendent of Schools Chris Clouet, major projects include health and safety items and age-related replacements and upgrades as identified in the five year District-wide Building Condition Survey. A significant portion of the project includes a major renovation to the Eastview building, which dates from 1925.
Frank Stefanelli, director of facilities and operations for White Plains schools told The White Plains Examiner that the roof at Eastview has failed resulting in damage to many of the ceilings and walls on the third floor. “We have done some temporary repairs,” Stefanelli said, “mostly on the roof. We hope to get the building envelope finished next summer and then begin details on renovations to the inside.”
Reports of coal tar ash seeping through the walls in the music room had caused some concern earlier in the year.
Stefanelli said the use of coal tar for insulation was typical in the era when the school was built. “The construction is
similar to the Highlands Middle School,” he added. Stefanelli acknowledged that a break in a steam line had caused the coal tar to melt and seep through walls.
“It was only in one room and behind the stage,” he said. “We have cleaned it up. When we do the interior renovation we may look at that floor to do something further.”
Stefanelli also noted that the installation of wi-fi as part of the renovation was to upgrade all wireless capabilities in the Eastview building. “We’re not just looking at communications applications,” he said, “but wireless smoke detectors, thermostats and light controls.”
The Facility Task Force, comprised of 18 district and community members, including architects and planners, conducted a seven-month process to assess the condition of buildings and sites. A press release issued by the superintendent’s office quoted Fred Seiler, assistant superintendent for business. “The current economic environment provides a very favorable opportunity to enter into long term financing at very low interest rates. The project is expected to result in a tax levy increase of 0.72 percent and a tax impact for the average White
Plains residence of $65.12 annually,” Seiler said in the release.
Almost half of the $48.2 million project ($22.5 million) is planned for work at Eastview Middle School and covers roofing, masonry and extensive renovation work. $200,000 will be used to upgrade elementary school playgrounds, and $4.8 million will add wi-fi capability to the schools.
Informational meetings will be held at several locations. September 11, 6:30 p.m., Dr. Clouet will speak about the project at the Council of Neighborhood Associations at Education House. September 19 there will be a public tour of the Eastview School at 7 p.m.
On September 27, there will be a PTA Council meeting at Education House at 7:30 p.m. An informational meeting will be held at Ridgeway Elementary School October 4 at 7 p.m. The bond vote is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23 at regular school district voting locations.
