April Board Briefs

When voters go to the polls on May 20, the ballot will include three important sections:

• Proposition 1 for the Annual School Budget
  
• Proposition 2 for the Projected Tax Neutral Capital Project
  
• Election of Two New Board Members
  

This issue of Board Briefs provides information about the Capital Project, how we anticipate funding it without a tax levy increase, and ways to learn more.

We would like to thank the students, faculty, staff, and community members who participated in the visioning sessions/forums over the past 18 months and shared their priorities, hopes, and ideas for what an Optimized Onteora could be. It was inspiring to see the passion, dedication, and thoughtfulness of those who participated in this important work.

Together, we're building something extraordinary. The proposed capital project imagines a vibrant central campus in Boiceville that honors our rich Catskills heritage while creating an inspiring, inclusive space for learning, gathering, and growing together. With no anticipated additional cost to taxpayers, this project is rooted in our shared values: putting students first, supporting staff, and being fiscally responsible — all while fostering a connected and thriving Onteora community.

Although we will forever be saddened by the loss of our community elementary schools, we are so hopeful for the possibilities that are before us as our school district joins together—as one—on the Boiceville campus.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has contributed so much to get us to this stage. We encourage all voters to learn as much as they can about this proposal, reach out with questions, and come out to vote on Tuesday, May 20.

The proposed capital project brings to life a vibrant, Catskills-inspired central campus designed to support student learning, staff collaboration, and community connection. Highlights include modernized classrooms, new science labs, and expanded spaces for art, music, and performance. Outdoor learning areas, upgraded athletic fields, and shared meeting spaces that will enhance how we learn and gather together. Infrastructure improvements like air conditioning, better air quality, and energy-efficient upgrades will create a healthier, more sustainable environment. The campus design also features pedestrian pathways, natural play areas, student-led gardens, and flexible indoor/outdoor gathering spaces — all rooted in the beauty and heritage of Onteora. A detailed list of the proposed upgrades is available on our website.

The following conceptual design of the new art classrooms for the elementary school is one example of how this was brought to life. Additional design concepts for the new elementary school gymnasium, music classrooms, lobby with exhibit space, high school counseling center, science labs, and more are available on the website.

Our administration and financial advisors have strategically structured the $70.5 million project so it can be funded without increasing the tax levy.

First, we will apply $15 million saved in our voter approved Capital Reserve and cash on hand, reducing the level of borrowing needed to fund the project to $55.5 million. Since we are borrowing less, we will also save on interest costs. The money will be borrowed in increments, to be repaid over 20 years, starting in 2028.

Each year of the repayment, we will receive approximately $1.3 million of State Aid reimbursement.

We also anticipate over $3 million in annual savings generated through the transportation, staffing, and building maintenance efficiencies created by moving to a central campus.

Combining the State Aid with the estimated annual savings of moving to a central campus allows us to repay our debt without an increase in taxes.

We anticipate more than $3 million in annual savings initially, growing to $3.9 million annually by 2028 when the vision of the central campus is brought to life. Here’s how it works:

Reducing Ongoing Costs – When savings are created (e.g., by reducing unnecessary expenses or improving efficiency), those costs don’t appear in future budgets. This means the budget doesn’t have to grow as much to cover them.

Compounding Effect – If savings continue every year, they add up. For example, if a district saves $500,000 this year and keeps those same savings in place next year, it prevents an extra $1 million in total expenses over two years.

Offsetting Future Increases – Costs like salaries, utilities, health insurance, and services rise over time due to inflation and contracts. Savings help cover part of those increases, so the overall budget doesn’t need to increase as much.

Investing in Cost-Efficient Solutions – Some additional savings can come from smart investments, like upgrading to energy-efficient systems. While there may be an upfront cost, the long-term savings (e.g., lower electricity bills) reduce financial strain in future budgets.

JOIN US for another Capital Project meeting on Thursday, May 1, at 6 PM. The presentation will be held at the Woodstock Elementary School and the PTA has graciously offered to arrange for free childcare!

Thank you to everyone who attended the April 24 community presentation to learn more about the project. We are committed to making sure you have the information needed to participate in the May 20 vote and want to make sure you get the answers to any questions you have.

Residents of the district will be sent a newsletter by mail in early May, but if you know a Board member personally, please do not hesitate to reach out and have a conversation. We are all happy to discuss the project with you. Other options for learning more are outlined below.

Our website has been updated with information about the Capital Project. You’ll also find slideshows of initial design concepts and site plans, a list of the proposed upgrades, as well as some answers to many frequently asked questions (see picture below). Links to all of the past reports and presentations, including the community visioning sessions with Sharon Lipovsky of Point Road Studios, are also provided.

Call Superintendent McLaren at 845-657-6383 or send an email to optimizing@onteora.k12.ny.us.

Superintendent McLaren and her team, along with several Board members, will be attending various town and community events in the next several weeks. We'd love to see you there. The following upcoming events have been confirmed:

• May 1 at 6 PM at Woodstock Elementary
  
• May 3 from 9 AM-3 PM at Olive Free Library
  
• May 5 at 7 PM at the Town of Shandaken Town Hall
  
• May 12 at 7 PM at Town of Olive Town Hall
  
• May 13 at 6 PM at West Hurley Fire District
  
• May 13 at 7 PM at the Town of Woodstock Town Office Building
  
• May 17 at 2 PM at Tetta’s Market
  

Superintendent Victoria McLaren and Assistant Superintendent for Business Monica LaClair have also recorded a detailed presentation about the project for anyone interested in learning more. You can follow their slides here.

Three candidates are seeking election for two available seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will serve three (3) year terms commencing July 1, 2025 and running through June 30, 2028. The candidates, as they will appear on the ballot are Daniel Aliberte, Jenny Jared, and Rory Smith. These candidates have been invited to a Meet the Candidates Night at Onteora Middle/High School on Thursday, May 15 at 6 PM.

Being a volunteer Board member is a significant commitment and we would like to thank these individuals for their willingness to serve and wish them luck in the upcoming election. We also want to extend a huge, heartfelt thank you to Sarah Hemingway Lynch and Meghann Reimondo who have completed their terms on the Board and are not seeking re-election. Their dedication and commitment to our school district was inspiring and they will be missed at the Board table.

Casting a ballot on the School Budget, Capital Project, and election of Board members is easy. Eligible voters can vote in person on May 20 from 2-9 PM at Bennett and Woodstock Elementary School. Those who cannot make it in person are able to vote by absentee or early mail ballot. Applications for absentee ballots, early mail ballots, and deadlines for both are available on our website.

✅ To be qualified to vote, an individual must be:

• A United States citizen
  
• At least 18 years old
  
• A resident of the school district for the past 30 days
  
• Not otherwise ineligible to vote
  

There are many ways to connect with us and hear what has been happening in Onteora Central School District:

• Watch live or recorded Board of Education meetings on our YouTube channel.

• Email your questions or comments to us at OnteoraBOE@onteora.k12.ny.us

• Sign up for our monthly Board Briefs, which are shared with faculty, staff, families, and those community members who have signed up. If you know community members who want to stay informed, please forward this email to them. They can sign up for Board Briefs at www.onteora.k12.ny.us/mailinglist.

You can also follow the District on social media!

• Facebook at @OnteoraCSD

• Instagram at @OnteoraCSD

• YouTube at @OnteoraCSD