Coxsackie-Athens CSD to hold capital project vote

COXSACKIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District will be holding a proposed capital project referendum in October. The project includes two separate propositions, totaling over $23 million.

The proposal’s first proposition, titled Proposition A, will focus on infrastructure, classroom and site improvements. The $17.7 million plan will include the following:

• Renovation of elementary school kitchens, elementary school second-floor classrooms, high school science classrooms
• Replacement of playground equipment with accessible designs
• Upgrades to security, domestic water piping, HVAC, select roofing and drainage systems
• Reconstruction of middle school parking lot and access drive

The second proposition, titled Proposition B, will work to improve the district’s athletic field, including reconstruction of the athletic grass fields with new drainage and safety features; replacement of select baseball, soccer and hockey fields; and the addition of a varsity softball field. Proposition B, which would total $5.7 million, would only be able to move forward if Proposition A is approved.

According to school officials, the proposed capital project aims to enhance learning, health and safety within the district. It will also reportedly bring the district up to date with state requirements.

“This project is the result of extensive planning, state-mandated building assessments, and valuable feedback from community members,” said Superintendent Randall Squier. “It addresses critical infrastructure needs while modernizing learning spaces for students.”

According to the school district, 71% of eligible costs of the proposal will be reimbursed through New York State Building Aid. The remaining balance will funded through a 15-year bond, with the following tax impacts for each proposition:

Financial impact

(For a home assessed at $100,000)

• Proposition A = $13.07 per year
  • For residents with enhanced STAR rebate: $5.47
• Proposition B = $7.11 per year
  • For residents with enhanced STAR rebate: $2.98
• Combined Proposition A and Proposition B total = $20.18 per year
  • For residents with enhanced STAR rebate: $7.45

The proposed capital project referendum vote will be held on October 7 from 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be located at Coxsackie Elementary School and Edward J. Arthur Elementary School. Full information on the proposed capital improvements project can be found on the district website.