The Onteora Board of Education voted on Tuesday, March 18, to approve a single Capital Project Bond Proposition, which will go before voters on May 20, 2025. If approved, the bond will fund improvements at Bennett Elementary and Onteora Middle-High School, including site, athletic, and recreational upgrades, at a total estimated cost of $70.5 million.
The district will utilize existing capital reserve funds to cover part of the expense, with up to $55.5 million financed through the bond. The board has framed the project as a necessary step toward centralizing students on one campus, citing declining enrollment and the need for updated facilities.
Superintendent Victoria McLaren said the project is expected to be tax-neutral and aligns with the district’s long-term restructuring plan, known as Optimizing Onteora.
“I found it meaningful that the board made that decision unanimously,” said Olivebridge resident Faedra Dagirmanjian. “Once the financial projections came through from the fiscal advisors, it was clear that separating the project into multiple propositions just didn’t make any sense. It is very important for people to understand that with this single proposition, the savings are projected to cover the costs.”
However, some residents remain skeptical. “I don’t see how the board can justify this much money, and I don’t see how it’s cost-effective,” said West Hurley homeowner Susan Houldin, who plans to vote no.
District officials have committed to holding public meetings and releasing video presentations to provide information ahead of the vote. Voters can cast their ballots on May 20 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bennett and Woodstock Elementary Schools.
If the proposition fails, the district will review an exit survey in June to understand voter priorities. Then, in September the Board of Education would vote on a new proposition that would go before voters in November. In the event the annual budget also fails, a second vote will be held on June 17. If it fails again, the district will operate on a contingency budget.
Noah Eckstein is the editor-in-chief of The Overlook. Send correspondence to noah@theoverlooknews.com.
