Capital Project Vote Set for February 13, 2024

Proposition 1 Has No Additional Tax Impact

January 2024

Dear Yorktown Central School District Community,

I hope this letter finds you and your family happy and well.  As we begin this new year, I wish you and your family the very best in 2024!  

I am writing to share additional information regarding the upcoming bond project that our Board and Administration have been discussing in earnest over the last several months.  On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, we will be putting forward a vote on a bond project that includes two propositions.  The first proposition will cost approximately $46M and have no additional tax impact.  The first proposition includes expansions to Brookside, Crompond, and Mohansic elementary schools.  These expansions will provide additional space and resources to accommodate student needs and the growing student population, ensuring that every child continues to have access to the high-quality education that has become synonymous with Yorktown.

The first proposition entails extensive renovations to our middle school, including full renovations to many classrooms, science rooms, home and careers classroom, the cafeteria, and the main lobby.  In addition, at both Mildred E. Strang Middle School and Yorktown High School, the bond project will completely renovate all music and art classrooms.  These renovations will provide our talented musicians and artists with state-of-the-art facilities to practice and showcase their talents.  Additionally, the science research room at Yorktown High School will be upgraded to a larger space that will provide our students with the necessary facility and resources so they may continue to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.

Another highlight of the bond project at Yorktown High School is the addition of a new multi-purpose turf field where the current baseball field is located.  This field will not only benefit our athletes and physical education classes, but will also be utilized by our middle school to provide increased opportunities for outdoor recess.  What’s more, this second turf field will be an incredible resource to our community for years to come.

Finally, the first proposition proposes investments in security that will continue to elevate the already robust measures in place in our District.  Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our students and staff, and we will continue to demonstrate this commitment through strategic investments in this bond project.

All of the above items are included in proposition 1 with NO additional tax impact.  However, we heard very clearly from our community, through the facilities survey that we conducted and informal conversations with members of our community, that our district has additional needs.  After thoughtful consideration, we are also presenting a second proposition on the ballot for February 13th.  This second proposition will include a full renovation to the Mohansic cafeteria, an emergency generator to power critical infrastructure on our MS/HS campus, an additional multi-purpose turf field, and an outdoor concession plaza that includes a concession stand, bathrooms, and an outdoor dining area. 

Proposition 2 can only be passed if proposition 1 passes.  The tax impact for proposition 2 is approximately $78 per year, or $6.50 per month, for a home at the Town’s average assessed value.  As previously mentioned, there is no additional tax impact for Proposition 1.

In addition to sharing information on our website, we will also be hosting community meetings to discuss any questions that you may have.  The dates are provided below.  We encourage you to stay informed and engaged in this important conversation.

The vote will take place at the French Hill School Library on Tuesday February 13, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

I urge you to exercise your right to vote.  Thank you for your continued support of our excellent school district!

–Dr. Ron Hattar
Superintendent,
Yorktown Central School District

Informational Sessions

We invite you to attend any one of the upcoming informational sessions to learn more about the proposed capital project.

• January 13, 10 a.m. – MESMS Cafeteria

• January 16, 7 p.m. – MESMS Cafeteria

• January 22, 7 p.m. – MESMS Cafeteria (during the Board of Education meeting)

• January 25, 7 p.m. – Virtual Session (The link will be posted to the District’s website on the morning of the meeting)

• February 1, 10 a.m. – Virtual Session (The link will be posted to the District’s website on the morning of the meeting)

• February 5, 7 p.m. – MESMS Cafeteria (during the Board of Education meeting)

• February 8, 7 p.m. – MESMS Cafeteria

Proposition 1

Brookside Elementary School

• Six-classroom addition

• Dedicated special education and small group instruction space

• Main entrance security upgrades

Mohansic Elementary School

• Six-classroom addition

• Dedicated special education and small group instruction space

• Main entrance security upgrades

Crompond Elementary School

• Six-classroom addition

• Dedicated space for special education, small group instruction, and offices

• Main entrance security upgrades

Mildred E. Strang Middle School

• Renovations to several classrooms, including art and music classrooms; home and careers classrooms; and science labs

• Upgrades to main lobby and cafeteria

• Renovation of old amphitheater

• Removal and replacement of double stacked lockers

• New outdoor basketball and/or pickleball courts for physical education and recess

• Security upgrades, including main entrance and site lighting

Yorktown High School

• Renovations to music wing and art classrooms

• Renovations to robotics lab and science research room

• Add air cooling to music wing

• New synthetic turf baseball and multi-purpose field

• Security upgrades, including main entrance and site lighting

Proposition 2