What is Liberty Central School District proposing?

The district’s proposed $42.7 million capital project addresses safety, efficiency of building systems and educational spaces and meeting the needs of today’s learners. It also would fix issues identified in the latest building condition survey. The full proposal can be found here.

What is the cost?

The total project cost is $42,689,222, which includes mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades to all buildings, structural repairs and improvements, safety upgrades, reconfiguration of classroom, guidance and cafeteria spaces in the high school, improvements to the athletic facilities, and construction of a buildings and maintenance storage building.

Why aren’t these projects done as part of the regular budget process?

Routine maintenance and repair of school buildings are included in the yearly budget process. But more substantial work, like proposed here, could not realistically be included in a yearly budget, especially when taking into consideration the tax levy cap in New York. The district does continue to improve learning spaces using funds in the budget. For example, work is being done to improve the High School auditorium to take into account new technology and safety measures. However, a capital project allows the district to spread large expenses over a longer period of time, and the work, in large part, is funded through New York State Education Department Building Aid. That allows for minimal impact on local taxpayers, because for every dollar borrowed through the bond, LCSD is expected to be about 88 cents for all eligible expenses.

How will this be paid for?

Because the district has a building capital reserve fund, the amount of a needed bond for the project will be lessened. The district will use $9.9 million from the fund and available fund balance to cover costs. The additional $32,789,222 will be bonded and repaid over a period of 15 years. State building aid is expected to cover a majority of the cost of the bond. The district also has retiring debt, which will allow the project to have no impact on taxpayers.

Voters approved a capital project two years ago, why another one now?

In 2021, voters approved funding a nearly $1.5 million maintenance storage building that was to be paid for through the reserve fund. But because of supply chain issues that increased costs of materials and increases in labor rates, bids for the building came in significantly higher than anticipated. Because the project could not be completed within the amount approved by voters, that project, and the funds initially set aside, have been folded into this project.

How were projects determined?

Districts regularly complete state-required building condition surveys. Most of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and safety work in the proposal was indicated by these surveys. Beyond that, the district population has grown since the last expansion of the district buildings. The learning standards and student needs also have changed over the years. Rather than building additional classroom and guidance space to account for the additional students and needs of today’s learners and future careers, the district felt the most fiscally responsible thing to do is to make better use of the space it has.

Why does work need to be done on the current football field and track area?

The current natural grass football field allows for limited use by our athletes. It is only able to be used for football, and because of field conditions, limited practices are allowed on the field. A turf field will allow for better drainage and will open up the field for use as a soccer pitch as well. Many of our opponents play and practice on turf, which generally allows for a faster game. Changing to a turf field would allow our players, now in Class A in soccer, a more even playing field. A turf field would also allow earlier access to outdoor practices for our spring sports and more use for physical education and other classes. Lights would also allow for later games, which could increase community attendance and support. An improved sound system and press box would improve the experience for fans, as would creating ADA compliant paths to the field and bleachers. As for the track, the surface is more than a decade old and has been patched several times. The entire track surface needs to be replaced. The current configuration of the track and field events does not allow for Liberty to host invitationals. A path to the upper field, where the throwing events are held, would put less strain on the track and field athletes while in competition.

What happens if the project is voted down?

If voters do not approve the project, the district will need to look at the most urgent needs and address them as they arise. Emergency repairs are generally more costly than planned work, which could have a negative impact on taxes. The current spaces will continue to be used as is, leaving obstacles for some students to reach their full potential.

When and where is the vote?

Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the High School Gymnasium with a snow date of Jan. 17. Absentee ballots will also be available to those who need them. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter the completed application must be received by the district clerk by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9. If the ballot is to be hand delivered to the voter, the application must be received by the district clerk by 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Absentee ballots must be received in the office of the district clerk no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 16. Military ballot applications must be received by the district clerk by 5 p.m. Dec. 21.

Who can vote?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the district for at least 30 days before the vote and be registered to vote through the county or the district. Registration can be done from  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the LCSD District Office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty until Jan. 11.

Questions?

Email questions@libertyk12.org or attend one of the informational meetings or walkthroughs on the project.