On January 17, 2023, voters passed a Capital Projects Referendum: A Breath of Fresh Air

At the October 20, 2022 Regular Meeting, the Board of Education voted to put the following proposition before voters:

Shall the October 20, 2022 bond resolution authorizing the issuance of $29,342,500 bonds to pay the cost of the reconstruction of and improvements to school facilities, including site work and incidental costs, at a maximum estimated cost of $29,342,500 (30 year maximum maturity); authorizing issuance of bonds in excess of the constitutional debt limit providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments; pledging the District’s faith and credit for debt service; delegating power with respect to bonds and notes; and providing for an estoppel procedure, be approved?  

Read Full Bonding Resolution here.

That vote was held from noon to 9:00 p.m. January 17, 2023 at general election polling sites. Authorization to issue bonds in excess of the constitutional debt limit required 60% voter approval.  

A public hearing took place at 6:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023 at the Administration Building located at 630 66th Street. 

The vote passed by more than 80%.

What will the District do?

The goal of the referendum was to secure funds which would allow the District to improve safety and security in schools; address fire safety at NFHS; improve air quality and add air conditioning at the prep schools; build a greenhouse at Bloneva Bond primary School; and create an outdoor park space at NFHS to celebrate alumni and community. Specifically:

SAFETY: 

NFHS Fire Shutters:  Redesign and replacement of fire shutters between towers Timeline: 2023/2024

GPS and LPS HVAC Mechanical:  Replacement of air handler systems to support air conditioning and improve air quality  Timeline: 2024/2025

GPS and LPS Air Conditioning:  Addition of air conditioning at Prep schools.  Our prep schools are the only District buildings not yet air conditioned. Built in 1929 (GPS) and 1931 (LPS), these architecturally significant buildings are becoming significantly uncomfortable for occupants in the spring, summer and even early autumn.         Timeline: 2024/2025

Secure Entrance Vestibules:  Includes redesign of main entrances, integration of Raptor visitor and Security Expert software.   It is a sad reality of the present times that security is an issue for every public building and every school across our nation. These upgrades will help us keep our schools safe, identify visitors, and better control who gains access to our spaces and our students and staff.    Timeline:   2023/2024 - 2024/2025

Exterior Door Security Enhancements:  Includes door contacts, fobs, local alarms, additional cameras, integration of security expert software, and injectors   2023/2024 - 2024/2025

COMMUNITY:

Walk of Fame and Memorial (NFHS):  Outdoor park space at Niagara Falls High School. This beautiful, outdoor space will celebrate distinguished alumni, benefactors, and those who served. It will serve not only as a fitting celebration of students past, but also be an inspiration to students of today.    Timeline:   2023/2024

Greenhouse:  New construction of instructional building and infrastructure at Bloneva Bond Primary School. Kindergarten, grade one and grade two students will rotate through this year-round educational greenhouse to learn how to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Special programming through the After School Program and the Student Summer Greenhouse Academy will provide students with a positive outlook on nature, gardening, and environmental issues.Parent and Community Engagement will involve workshops with hands-on learning experiences. Our partnerships with National Grid, Cornell Cooperative, Niagara Street Neighborhood Revitalization Organization, and others will provide an opportunity for our students to imagine new possibilities. 

      Timeline:   2023/2024 - 2024/2025

Financing

Most projects will be reimbursed by NYS at a rate of 98%. There will be no increase to your school taxes due to these projects.

Voting

A qualified voters is one who:

is a United States citizen;

is at least 18 years-of-age;

will have lived in the city for at least 30 days prior to the election/vote;

is not prohibited from voting under provisions of section 5-106 of the Election Law.

Those who are listed as permanently disabled voters with the county will automatically receive a ballot in the mail. Those who will be unable to vote in person due to one of the following reasons can apply for an absentee ballot by contacting the District Clerk:

Absence from county on the day of the vote 
Illness or physical disability, or duties related to the primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled, or because he or she will be or is a patient in a hospital; or
Resident or patient of a veteran’s administration hospital; 
Detention in jail/prison, awaiting trial, awaiting action by a grand jury, or in prison for a conviction of a crime or offense which was not a felony, provided that s/he is a qualified voter in the school   
district of her/his residence

Not sure where to vote? Visit the Board of Elections website.