Q: Why is the district having a Capital Project Vote?

A: The Chautauqua Lake Central School District is committed to providing well maintained facilities and a safe learning environment for students and public use. Most of the work included in this proposed Capital Project is "planned maintenance." Routine maintenance and repair work is typically funded in the annual District budget, with local taxpayers bearing the full cost. However, sizeable renovations, repairs, and replacement of "end of useful life" items such as those included in this project would have a MAJOR IMPACT on the tax levy if included in the annual district budget. Therefore, the district has designed this project to utilize NYS aid that can be used only for such projects.

Q: What is the total cost of the proposed project?

A: The total cost is $18,550,000.

Q: How will it affect my taxes?

A: The project is designed with the intent that it will NOT cause an increase in district property taxes. State building aid and district reserves will fund the project. The current 2020-2021 State Aid Building Ratio for Chautauqua Lake is 72.1%. Working closely with our financial advisors, past and present boards of education have allocated funds for this project, therefore, we expect that this Capital Project will NOT alter our annual budget.

Q: How were the project's components selected?

A: Every 5 years, all school districts in New York are required to have a registered architect review the condition of their buildings and grounds. In 2015, our architectural consultant performed a Building Condition Survey that examined the district's facilities and identified problem areas requiring repair or replacement. A district subcommittee - comprising of administrators, teachers, Board of Education members, and support staff - studied the survey items and developed a prioritized list of repairs and upgrades. The district is addressing those issues now rather than delaying and facing future higher costs and further deterioration. Building Condition Survey items, academic program enhancements and safety concerns received top priority, as did code compliance and mechanical items.

Q: Where can I learn more?

A: Resources are available at www.clake.org and on our Facebook page. Questions can be submitted to Heidi Martin at hmartin@clake.org. Due to the pandemic, we will be hosting a informational Zoom meeting at 5:30 p.m. on December 8, 2020.