School capital projects could top $3 million

by Kathy Duff
Grand Island Dispatch, June 23, 2006

In the wake of a 66-yes vote margin passing the 2006-07 Grand Island School District budget on May 16, the Grand Island School Board is calling attention once more to capital needs projects pending in district school buildings.

Repairs to the high school roof have been completed, following cancellation of an earlier contract with one roofing company and re-awarding of the contract to another. Serious problems remain with the roof at Connor Middle School, where needed repairs are estimated to cost $1.3 million. New emergency generators are also needed throughout the district with the one at Sidway Elementary not functioning at all at the present time.

Not discussed in public session for months but of concern to the School Board is the updating of the district’s science labs. Funding for all projects combined could top out at around $3 million, with a bond issue going to public vote in November or December of this year. An alternative for funding the middle school roof repairs could be application for emergency grant funding from New York state.

Regarding the possible bond issue, Loraine Ingrasci, assistant superintendent of Business and Finance, said that timing is important. “What the public needs to know is that these monies (if approved) take time to process.”

A “yes” vote to can take up to 18 months to turn into real dollars for the schools.