At a special meeting of the Board of Education January 17, Rye City School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Shine presented a new proposal that shaves close to $4 million from the nearly $20 million Rye High/Middle School bond defeated late last year.

 

By Sarah Varney

 

At a special meeting of the Board of Education January 17, Rye City School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Shine presented a new proposal that shaves close to $4 million from the nearly $20 million Rye High/Middle School bond defeated late last year.

Dr. Shine’s $16.3 million proposal preserves the addition of a new 12-classroom science addition, the reclamation of two general classrooms, and the removal of the portable classrooms as detailed in the original plan. It also calls for upgrades to emergency lighting systems and power upgrades for the renovated classrooms.

The Superintendent did not share how the revised bond would affect taxes, however, or how much the District would use in reserves to defray the cost. Dr. Shine said those figures would be presented at the January 24 meeting, giving the District time to determine the impact of the recently passed State budget. If the Board approves the proposal at their next meeting, the public would be able to vote on the bond in March.

Former Board member Bob Zahm reminded his past colleagues that the tax increase would remain a hot button for voters. “Most people [who voted against the December 13 bond] were very concerned about the tax increase.”

 

Recognizing this, the new plan eliminates the renovation of seven bathrooms, the high school boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, the high school guidance suite, and the middle school nurse’s office.

 

The $16.3 million plan also cuts $300,000 allotted for necessary structural underpinnings that would allow for a future third story on the addition. Those funds would pay for a stronger foundation using more concrete, the use of more structural steel, an elevator shaft, and a concrete deck on the roof to allow for construction while the students are occupying the building, explained Armand Quadrini of KSQ Architects, the firm hired to design the plan.

 

“I think it’s short-sighted not to provide for the third floor,” commented Rye resident Katherine Olsen. Even District critic Martin Gerson voiced a similar thought. “Every time I drive by Midland, I look out at the sprawling school and I think, ‘Why didn’t they put some steel in there so they could have a second story?’”

 

Former Board President Jim Culyer expressed his concerns about eliminating funds for renovating facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms and for putting off physical plant upgrades. “I suggest we plan to address facilities issues going forward.” He outlined a possible scenario whereby the Board could consider using the current portable classrooms to keep up with peak enrollment numbers. The monies saved year-to-year might be put toward maintaining facilities, he said.

 

But just keeping up with enrollment and shelving the construction of new science classrooms isn’t really an option, said Board member Josh Nathan. “I think this plan appropriately focuses on the growing enrollment needs. I think that it also appropriately addresses the building of science labs that will allow us to teach the state-mandated science curriculum that we’re supposed to be teaching and aren’t. I’m supportive of this project.”