Poughkeepsie School Voters OK $98M Improvement Package

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Two capital improvement propositions were approved by voters in the Poughkeepsie school district Tuesday.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser said the results were great for the students, staff and community.

"The community supported both propositions to propel PCSD schools into the 21st century," he said, "meeting the standards of educational buildings equal to schools in our surrounding area and the state."

The two propositions — costing a total of $98.8 million — will address infrastructure improvements throughout the district.

Proposition 1 will see new security entrances, roof restorations or replacements, upgrades or replacement of HVAC units and the installation of school marquees.

Proposition 2 addresses more infrastructure issue, including a complete renovation of Warring Elementary School and the Poughkeepsie Middle School cafeteria, and creates, what the district calls, "21st Century learning spaces."

The projected tax impact, according to district officials, $1.33 per month ($16 a year) on a home with a full value of $100,000 for Senior/STAR; $4.67/mo. with STAR ($56 a year) and $7.33/mo. without STAR ($88 a year).

Rosser said the district will next issue a request for proposal to secure an architect and construction firm to do the work and begin the process of obtaining state education department approvals for the plans.

He said construction could start as soon as next summer.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the tax impact for Senior/STAR. It is $16 a year, while STAR is $56 per year. Patch regrets the error.

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