At Rombout Middle School, students and parents have long been longing for updates and upgrades, to benefit those who pass through it for two grades after elementary school and before entering the new Beacon High School. Major amenities that many of us take for granted, such as air conditioning and a proper science room, just aren't there. Until now. The Board of Education has included such things in its Capital Project proposal, which is being presented to the public by Dr. Matthew Landahl, Superintendent of Beacon City Schools.

On December 5, 2017, the public can vote for the Capital Project put forth by the Board of Education. It would not involve a new tax increase according to the Board of Education, thanks to a 66.9% reimbursement from New York State, funds remaining from the EXCEL project, a decrease in District debt, and funds in the existing Capital Reserves.

Presentations of the Capital Project have been given this November by Beacon's Superintendent, Dr. Landahl, at all of the regularly scheduled PTA/PTO Meetings, with two additional public meetings at the City of Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, and an upcoming meeting on November 30 at 7 pm at the Beacon High School.

Example of new lockers in the pool area of the Beacon High School.Photo Credit: Taken from the Capital Project Presentation PDF. — Example of new lockers in the pool area of the Beacon High School.
*Photo Credit: Taken from the Capital Project Presentation PDF.*

What Is Proposed for the Schools?

Here are the improvements slated for the budget of the project, if Beacon residents vote for the proposal:

Beacon High School

Roof Repairs and Overlay
Exterior Wall Repairs
New Lockers in Pool Locker Room and Scoreboard

Rombout Middle School

Upgrade Science Lab
Renovate Home & Careers Classroom
Install A/C in the West Wing
Redesign Bus Loop
Replace Wheelchair Lift
Exterior and Interior Door Replacements
Roof Repairs and Overlay
ADA and Fire Safety Upgrades

Glenham Elementary

Replace Carpet With VCT Tile in Four Classrooms
Replace Egress Window and Ladder in Classroom
Exterior and Interior Door Replacements
ADA and Fire Safety Upgrades

*Photo Credit: Taken from the Capital Project Presentation PDF.*

J.V. Forrestal Elementary

Replace Carpet With VCT Tile in Kindergarten Classrooms
Bathroom Upgrades
Replace Rooftop Ventilation Units
Replace Ceilings in Stairs and Ground Floor
ADA and Fire Safety Upgrades

Sargent Elementary

Replace Carpet with VCT Tile in Six Classrooms
Replace Kitchen Air Unit and Rooftop Ventilation Units
Exterior and Interior Door Replacements
Bathroom Upgrades
Replace Selected Ceilings
Exterior Masonry Repairs
ADA and Fire Safety Upgrades

South Avenue Elementary

Exterior Door Replacements
Replace Kitchen Air Unit and Unit Ventilators in Cafeteria
Replace remaining VAT tile with VCT tile
ADA and Fire Safety Upgrades

Athletics

New Artificial Turf Field Behind Beacon High School
Repairs to Track at Hammond Field
General Repairs to Rosenmeier Field House, Hammond Field House and Press Box

No New Tax Increase

According to literature from the Beacon City School District, with more information here: "To complete this Capital Project, Building Aid funds are currently available from New York State which reimburses 66.9% of the costs. In addition, a balance of funds remaining from the EXCEL project, funds in Beacon City School District’s Capital Reserves, and a decrease in the District debt, all contribute to allow the project to be funded with no new school tax increases."

Where and When to Vote

Polls will be located at Beacon High School and Glenham Elementary School, and will be open from 7am-9pm. More information, including how to register, can be found here on the Beacon City School District website.