SHARE

Port Chester Approves $11M Middle School Repairs On Second Bond Vote

Port Chester voters passed the school district’s $11 million bond project with 60 percent of the public's support. Tuesday's approval allows the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District to begin emergency safety improvements at Port Chester Middle School.

Workers outside the Board of Education and District office entrance of Port Chester-Rye Union Free District on Oct. 31, 2017. Ongoing emergency repairs kept the offices and Port Chester Middle School temporarily closed.

Workers outside the Board of Education and District office entrance of Port Chester-Rye Union Free District on Oct. 31, 2017. Ongoing emergency repairs kept the offices and Port Chester Middle School temporarily closed.

Photo Credit: Jon Craig

With more than 1,600 residents voting, 966 were in favor and 646 were opposed to the bond.

“We are thankful and express our sincere appreciation for the community’s support of this repair bond,” said Superintendent Edward Kliszus. “Your support permits us to bring the middle school into the 21st century with new windows, the removal of the concrete panels and scaffolding, and the installation of electronically controlled heating ventilator systems.”

The bond was created in response to a structural failure at the middle school in October 2017, which resulted in building damage and the school’s closure for six days. School officials said the project will resolve vital safety concerns and end the $30,000 monthly rental of scaffolding to stabilize the building’s current cantilevers. It also funds the replacement of 50-year-old windows with energy-efficient and insulated windows that will save an estimated 8 percent annually in energy costs.

“It is the community’s ongoing support of the schools that has enabled our students to enjoy not only academic success but beautiful school buildings in which they can be nurtured and educated in a safe environment," Kliszus said.

This is the second time that Port Chester residents voted on the PCMS Bond Project. It was initially put up for a vote in February at $12.5 million; however, was defeated by 53 votes.

A total of 940 residents voted for the project and 993 voted against it on Feb. 6, as reported here by Daily Voice. 

to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE