2024 Capital Project FAQs

What is the capital project plan?

The capital project plan is a comprehensive initiative to upgrade and expand our school facilities. It includes:

Elementary and Middle School Renovations: Renovated Science, Technology Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) lab, student support suite, and enhanced OT/PT/RN offices.
High School Addition: New classrooms, student center, new STEAM lab, and student support offices.
Infrastructure and Security Upgrades: Safety, security, and accessibility improvements in both buildings.

What is the total cost of the project?

The total cost of the capital project plan is $28,359,954.

Why is this project necessary?

This project focuses on the most essential campus needs and our community's shared priorities and values for Haldane students:

Secure entry vestibules at each school building
Classroom space to move high school students out of the 165-year-old Mabel Merritt building
A multi-use student center in the high school for students to each lunch, perform, socialize, and work with each other
New spaces for hands-on interdisciplinary learning
Centralized office suites that will allow guidance counselors, social workers, physical therapists, and other support staff to move out of makeshift spaces and into offices that better support their work with children and families
Critical infrastructure repairs and replacements identified in Haldane's Building Condition Survey, a NY State Education Department-mandated assessment

Has the District’s enrollment increased?

Haldane’s total K-12 enrollment has remained steady over the past five years. Although we do not anticipate significant growth in the near future, the District is committed to providing necessary programs and services in spaces that support optimal learning conditions. We will also continue to offer a broad array of specialized classes, innovative electives, and advanced placement courses to ensure our students remain competitive with those from other high-performing districts in the region.

How will this project benefit students?

The project will provide:

Additional classroom space, eliminating the need for high school students to use the Mabel Merritt building and reducing the need for students to travel between buildings. It is important to note that the Mabel Merritt building, originally constructed as the carriage house on the Butterfield estate, was not designed to support modern teaching and learning needs.
Enhanced spaces for STEAM education, promoting interdisciplinary learning.
Enhanced student support services, including counseling, therapy, and nursing that are essential to address the social, emotional, and health needs of students, ensuring they have the optimal conditions to learn and thrive.
Increased campus safety through improved vehicle/pedestrian traffic patterns, clear emergency vehicle access to buildings, VoIP communication campus wide, secure vestibule entrances, and updated fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to all renovated and newly constructed spaces, as well as the existing high school building, which will enable the District to comply with recent NYS legislation that establishes a maximum classroom temperature for all school districts to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

What renovations are planned for the elementary and middle schools?

The renovations will include:

Security Vestibule: To allow administrators to control access to the school building by welcoming visitors through a locked double door entrance.
STEAM Lab: To provide a creative space for younger students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) subjects through project-based learning that involves critical thinking and hands-on activities.
Student Support Suite: To create centralized offices for behaviorist, psychologist, social worker, speech therapist, occupational and physical therapists, and ENL (English as a New Language) teachers.
Health Office Enhancements: To provide a renovated health office with improved air quality and accessible restrooms that comply with ADA (Americans with Disability Act) standards.
Staff Restrooms: To provide dedicated, staff-only restrooms will eliminate the need for staff to share space with students.

What is included in the high school addition?

The high school addition will feature:

Security Vestibule: To allow administrators to control access to the school building by welcoming visitors through a locked double door entrance.
Four (4) Academic Classrooms: To eliminate the need for students to attend classes outside of the high school building in the Mabel Merritt Building, which was not designed for classroom use.
New Art Classroom: To eliminate the need for high school students to travel to the Main Building for art instruction in an inadequate classroom space.
STEAM Lab: To create a cutting-edge facility for hands-on, project-based learning through the design process.
Student Support Suite: To create centralized offices for guidance counselors, psychologist, social worker, and athletic director and dean of students.
Student Center: To create a multi-use space for lunch, studying, group work, presentations, performances, and various other school events. We envision this space to be a community hub that will be continually utilized by students, staff, and other community organizations.
Full High School Air Conditioning: The construction of the high school addition provides a cost-effective opportunity to add air conditioning throughout the high school building using existing ductwork.

Why are these renovations important?

Updating these spaces will:

Centralize support services for more efficient and effective student care, and student and family privacy, as well as enhanced collaboration amongst our support professionals.
Improve the overall learning environment with spaces designed to foster collaboration, making it more conducive to student success and well-being.
Provide younger students with early exposure to STEAM education, and enable the district to align the STEAM curriculum for grades PK-12.
Upgrade our facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Restore aging infrastructure and improve traffic and pedestrian flow to ensure safety and accessibility for emergency responders.

Which components of the project will improve campus safety?

Security Vestibules at Main Building and High School Entrances: To allow administrators to control access to the school building by welcoming visitors through a locked double door entrance.
Vehicle & Pedestrian Traffic Redesign: To better separate and protect pedestrians, cars, and buses as they navigate Haldane's busy campus, as well as improve emergency vehicle access to each building.
VoIP and Public Address System: To enhance campus-wide communication and the ability to better communicate daily needs and emergency notifications.
Accessibility & ADA Improvements: To improve accessibility campus-wide, including restrooms, in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Fire Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Upgrades: To modernize these critical monitoring systems on campus.

How will the new STEAM lab enhance learning?

The STEAM lab will provide a dynamic learning environment that fosters interdisciplinary, project-based learning through the design process. Students will have access to modern tools and resources, enabling them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These experiences will prepare them for future college and career opportunities in STEAM fields.

How is this project being funded?

The project will be funded through:

District Funds: $1,000,000 from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund.
State Aid: The District will receive approximately 35% in NYS Building Aid for all eligible project costs.
Bond Referendum: The remaining cost will be funded through the bond referendum.

How much of the total budget will be spent on each category?

How long will the project take to complete?

Once approved by the voters, the entire project is estimated to take three to four years to complete. We anticipate that some elements, such as the installation of VoIP phones, will be completed within the first year.

What will happen to the Mabel Merritt Building?

Although funding to repurpose the Mabel Merritt Building is not included in the current capital project proposal, we are committed to maintaining the building due to its historical significance. Potential future uses for the building include offices and space for professional development and staff collaboration.

What is the financial impact on taxpayers?

From 2026 through 2028, property taxes will increase by approximately 2.32% per year for three years (total increase 6.95%). Detailed financial information will be shared at community meetings and through newsletters.

Property Market Value	Tax Increase 2025-26	Tax Increase 2026-27	Tax Increase 2027-28	Total Tax Impact (after 3 years)
$300,000	$95	$95	$95	$285
$500,000	$158	$158	$158	$475
$750,000	$238	$238	$238	$713
$1,000,000	$317	$317	$317	$951

What would happen if the referendum does not pass?

The repairs and critical infrastructure improvements identified in the Building Condition Survey are necessary to ensure that our schools remain safe and functional. If the referendum does not pass, these repairs would need to be funded through the District’s annual operating budget, which would lead to reductions in the instructional budget.

If the Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates, will the cost of the project decrease?

Yes, as interest rates directly impact government financing. With the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut rates by 0.5 percentage points on September 18th, and its indication of potential future cuts, we are optimistic that our borrowing costs for this capital project will decrease.

When is the referendum vote?

The referendum vote is scheduled for November 19, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the Elementary School Library. Voters can request early and absentee ballots starting October 19, 2024, by downloading the application on this website or by contacting District Clerk Megan Shields at mshields@haldaneschool.org.

How can community members get more information?

We are committed to open communication and welcome community engagement. Attend Board of Education meetings, school district tours, and Q&A sessions. Information will also be shared through social media, a newsletter, and the district website. Additionally, the District will release a series of short videos starting in mid-October that will outline the project components and show the campus needs in greater detail.

2024 Capital Project FAQs

What is the capital project plan?

The capital project plan is a comprehensive initiative to upgrade and expand our school facilities. It includes:

Elementary and Middle School Renovations: Renovated Science, Technology Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) lab, student support suite, and enhanced OT/PT/RN offices.

High School Addition: New classrooms, student center, new STEAM lab, and student support offices.

Infrastructure and Security Upgrades: Safety, security, and accessibility improvements in both buildings.

What is the total cost of the project?

The total cost of the capital project plan is $28,359,954.

Why is this project necessary?

This project focuses on the most essential campus needs and our community's shared priorities and values for Haldane students:

Secure entry vestibules at each school building

Classroom space to move high school students out of the 165-year-old Mabel Merritt building

A multi-use student center in the high school for students to each lunch, perform, socialize, and work with each other

New spaces for hands-on interdisciplinary learning

Centralized office suites that will allow guidance counselors, social workers, physical therapists, and other support staff to move out of makeshift spaces and into offices that better support their work with children and families

Critical infrastructure repairs and replacements identified in Haldane's Building Condition Survey, a NY State Education Department-mandated assessment

Has the District’s enrollment increased?

How will this project benefit students?

The project will provide:

Enhanced spaces for STEAM education, promoting interdisciplinary learning.

Enhanced student support services, including counseling, therapy, and nursing that are essential to address the social, emotional, and health needs of students, ensuring they have the optimal conditions to learn and thrive.

Increased campus safety through improved vehicle/pedestrian traffic patterns, clear emergency vehicle access to buildings, VoIP communication campus wide, secure vestibule entrances, and updated fire and carbon monoxide detectors.

What renovations are planned for the elementary and middle schools?

The renovations will include:

Security Vestibule: To allow administrators to control access to the school building by welcoming visitors through a locked double door entrance.

STEAM Lab: To provide a creative space for younger students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) subjects through project-based learning that involves critical thinking and hands-on activities.

Student Support Suite: To create centralized offices for behaviorist, psychologist, social worker, speech therapist, occupational and physical therapists, and ENL (English as a New Language) teachers.

Health Office Enhancements: To provide a renovated health office with improved air quality and accessible restrooms that comply with ADA (Americans with Disability Act) standards.

Staff Restrooms: To provide dedicated, staff-only restrooms will eliminate the need for staff to share space with students.

What is included in the high school addition?

The high school addition will feature:

Security Vestibule: To allow administrators to control access to the school building by welcoming visitors through a locked double door entrance.

Four (4) Academic Classrooms: To eliminate the need for students to attend classes outside of the high school building in the Mabel Merritt Building, which was not designed for classroom use.

New Art Classroom: To eliminate the need for high school students to travel to the Main Building for art instruction in an inadequate classroom space.

STEAM Lab: To create a cutting-edge facility for hands-on, project-based learning through the design process.

Student Support Suite: To create centralized offices for guidance counselors, psychologist, social worker, and athletic director and dean of students.

Student Center: To create a multi-use space for lunch, studying, group work, presentations, performances, and various other school events. We envision this space to be a community hub that will be continually utilized by students, staff, and other community organizations.

Full High School Air Conditioning: The construction of the high school addition provides a cost-effective opportunity to add air conditioning throughout the high school building using existing ductwork.

Why are these renovations important?

Updating these spaces will:

Centralize support services for more efficient and effective student care, and student and family privacy, as well as enhanced collaboration amongst our support professionals.

Improve the overall learning environment with spaces designed to foster collaboration, making it more conducive to student success and well-being.

Provide younger students with early exposure to STEAM education, and enable the district to align the STEAM curriculum for grades PK-12.

Upgrade our facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Restore aging infrastructure and improve traffic and pedestrian flow to ensure safety and accessibility for emergency responders.

Which components of the project will improve campus safety?

Security Vestibules at Main Building and High School Entrances: To allow administrators to control access to the school building by welcoming visitors through a locked double door entrance.

Vehicle & Pedestrian Traffic Redesign: To better separate and protect pedestrians, cars, and buses as they navigate Haldane's busy campus, as well as improve emergency vehicle access to each building.

VoIP and Public Address System: To enhance campus-wide communication and the ability to better communicate daily needs and emergency notifications.

Accessibility & ADA Improvements: To improve accessibility campus-wide, including restrooms, in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Fire Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Upgrades: To modernize these critical monitoring systems on campus.

How will the new STEAM lab enhance learning?

How is this project being funded?

The project will be funded through:

District Funds: $1,000,000 from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund.

State Aid: The District will receive approximately 35% in NYS Building Aid for all eligible project costs.

Bond Referendum: The remaining cost will be funded through the bond referendum.

How much of the total budget will be spent on each category?

How long will the project take to complete?

Once approved by the voters, the entire project is estimated to take three to four years to complete. We anticipate that some elements, such as the installation of VoIP phones, will be completed within the first year.

What will happen to the Mabel Merritt Building?

What is the financial impact on taxpayers?

From 2026 through 2028, property taxes will increase by approximately 2.32% per year for three years (total increase 6.95%). Detailed financial information will be shared at community meetings and through newsletters.

What would happen if the referendum does not pass?

If the Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates, will the cost of the project decrease?

Yes, as interest rates directly impact government financing. With the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut rates by 0.5 percentage points on September 18th, and its indication of potential future cuts, we are optimistic that our borrowing costs for this capital project will decrease.

When is the referendum vote?

How can community members get more information?