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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. A $48.2 million bond to pay for school building improvements and facilities will go to a public vote Oct. 23 after the White Plains Board of Education approved the spending at a special meeting Tuesday night, according to a release.
If the public votes in favor of the bond, it would raise the school tax levy 0.72 percent, which would result in a $65.12 increase in taxes for the average residence.
The current economic environment provides a very favorable opportunity to enter into long-term financing at very low interest rates, Fred Seiler, assistant superintendent for business, said in release.
There are 11 district buildings that would have work done, including roofing, masonry and other renovations totaling $22.5 million at Eastview School alone.
The release also details $4.8 million will be used to add WiFi capability to the schools.
The addition of WiFi is about academic issues providing access to research and information no longer in print form, Christopher Clouet, superintendent of schools, said in a release.
WiFi would also create savings by allowing the district to wirelessly control its heating, lighting and air-conditioning systems, Frank Stefanelli, director of facilities and operations, said in the same release.
Another $200,000 would be used to upgrade playgrounds. The 2012 Facility Task Force recommended the proposed building and facility improvements. There are 18 district and community members, including architects and planners, that make up the task force, which assessed the condition of district buildings over seven months, the release said. Clouet is its chair.
With interest rates low, this is the time to do it, said James Hricay, a board member.
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