School Board Approves $1 Million For Roofs

Clarkstown School Board members heeded residents’ complaints about the condition of school roofs and approved the use of $1 million from reserve funds. The board voted unanimously to allocate $1 million to start replacing roofs.  The cost to replace all building roofs that have exceeded their expected lifespan would run $18 to $20 million.  

Since the board voted to money from reserves the addition of $1 million to the proposed 2013-2014 budget does not increase the tax levy of 2.9 percent.   The board acted after residents questioned the absence of funds for roof replacements and the ongoing cost of roof repairs at recent board meetings and community budget sessions. 

The discussion about roof replacements began during a presentation on capital projects. Assistant Superintendent John LaNave said the board and administration had been discussing the need to address the deteriorating condition of roofs, most of which have outlived their 25 to 30 year lifespan. He noted a study conducted several years ago determined 11 schools, the Chestnut Grove district office and bus garage roofs all needed to be replaced. The only ones considered in good condition were the Congers and Bardonia elementary schools and the Birchwood School.

Board President Joe Malgieri said, “If we don’t put it in the budget we can’t pull it out next year.”

LaNave said there would a separate line item in the budget for roofs and if board members changed their minds at some point next year, they could de-commit the money and return it to reserves.  The other options he said would be to wait until next year’s budget or put a referendum before the voters. 

“This year’s attempt is let’s put a million in the budget and get the voters to approve it,” he said. 

LaNave indicated if voters approve the it could take up to a year before work actually began because new engineering studies would have to be conducted, approvals obtained and requests for bids would have to be issued.

All board members were at the meeting and all voted in favor. 

“Thank you board we are making a step forward for the Clarkstown School District,” said Malgieri. “We are finally taking a step in the right direction and fixing our infrastructure.”