Voter Registration for $48 Million WP School Bond
Registration for the White Plains Board of Education Special Election will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6, noon to 5 p.m., at Mamaroneck Avenue School, Nosband Avenue. A registrant must be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or more, and a White Plains resident for at least 30 days prior to the election. If a resident has voted in a General Election in the past four years, he/she is automatically registered and need not re-register.
Voters who have moved within the City of White Plains since they last voted may also re- register at this time.
About the Bond: Acting on the recommendation of the 2012 Facility Task Force, chaired by Superintendent of Schools Chris Clouet, major projects include health and safety items and age-related replacements and upgrades as identified in the five-year District-wide Building Condition Survey. A significant portion of the project includes a major renovation to the Eastview building, which dates from 1925.
Frank Stefanelli, director of facilities and operations for White Plains schools told The White Plains Examiner that the roof at Eastview has failed resulting in damage to many of the ceilings and walls on the third floor. “We have done some temporary repairs,” Stefanelli said, “mostly on the roof. We hope to get the building envelope finished next summer and then begin details on renovations to the inside.”
Reports of coal tar ash seeping through the walls in the music room had caused some concern earlier in the year.
Stefanelli said the use of coal tar for insulation was typical in the era when the school was built. “The construction is similar to the Highlands Middle School,” he added. Stefanelli acknowledged that a break in a steam line caused had the coal tar to melt and seep through walls. “It was only in one room and behind the stage,” he said. “We have cleaned it up. When we do the interior renovation we may look at that floor to do something further.”
Stefanelli also noted that the installation of wi-fi as part of the renovation was to upgrade all wireless capabilities in the Eastview building. “We’re not just looking at communications applications,” he said, “but wireless smoke detectors, thermostats and light controls.”
The Facility Task Force, comprised of 18 district and community members, including architects and planners, conducted a seven-month process to assess the condition of buildings and sites. A press release issued by the superintendent’s office quoted Fred Seiler, assistant superintendent for business. “The current economic environment provides a very favorable opportunity to enter into long term financing at very low interest rates. The project is expected to result in a tax levy increase of 0.72 percent and a tax impact for the average White Plains residence of $65.12 annually,” Seiler said in the release..
Almost half of the $48.2 million project ($22.5 million) is planned for work at Eastview Middle School and covers roofing, masonry and extensive renovation work. $200,000 will be used to upgrade elementary school playgrounds, and $4.8 million will add wi-fi capability to the schools.
The election will take place on Tuesday, October 23rd, from noon to 9 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications are available on the district’s website: www.whiteplainspublicschools.org or by calling 422-2071. For information on your polling place, place call 422-2000.
