Horseheads 2030
Phase 2 approved by voters in 2021
On December 7, 2021, voters in the Horseheads Central School District approved the second major project in the district's capital improvement plan. This project continues the work begun several years ago with the first major project to update and renovate district facilities. Our goal is to improve the learning environment for all our students, current and future.
The first project, which was approved by voters in 2017, had its main focus in the High School and Middle/Intermediate School, as well as basic operational and safety systems in our elementary schools. The first project included the multi-purpose stadium, renovated cafeteria/kitchen, library addition, and upgraded classrooms at the High School, as well as cafeteria/kitchen renovations and upgraded technology and science classrooms at the Middle/Intermediate complex. The first phase is nearing completion.
This second project includes upgrades and improvements to district schools and totals $122,254,993. It is the second of a possible three-phase project to bring improvements to all district facilities. This project would bring additions and improvements to Big Flats, Gardner Road, and Ridge Road elementary schools as the district phases out use of Center Street for students. Through this project, the district would redraw attendance zones so that enrollment across elementary schools is more consistent, and improve boundary lines so that students attend the elementary school closest to their home when possible.
The project also includes the renovation of gymnasiums across the district, as well as the addition of locker rooms and music storage at the multi-purpose stadium at the High School. Additionally, this project would address the environmental climate at our schools, preparing them for updated heating, ventilating, and cooling controls.
The project would be primarily paid for through New York State Building Aid. The remainder of the cost would come from existing district resources and money from the Capital Reserve Fund to minimize the local share. The district’s fiscal advisors have been conservative in estimating interest rates and local share. For a homeowner in the district with a residence valued at $100,000, the maximum estimated tax increase is expected to be no more than $9.08 per month. This increase will be phased in over a four-year period beginning in 2023.
Please note that the district estimated a small increase in local taxes for the first phase of the project; however, the tax rate has actually decreased since the first phase began.
For more information:
Community Meetings
The public is invited to two community meetings/open houses. The meetings will begin at 6pm with a tour of completed first-phase projects at the High School, and then a meeting about the proposed project beginning at approximately 7:15 p.m.
November 9, 2021 - High School Multi-Media Center: Video
November 17, 2021 - High School Auditorium: Video
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the project was held Tuesday, November 30. View the video of the hearing here.
Click here for a fact sheet on the project.
Click here for conceptual drawings.
Vote
The vote was held Tuesday, December 7 in the Horseheads High School South Gym. Voters approved the project 621-410.
Who is eligible to vote?
All district residents are eligible to vote, as long as they meet the following requirements:
• Are a U.S. citizen
• Are 18 years of age or older on the day of the vote
• Have lived in the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote on December 7
• Are not restricted from voting in general elections based on election law
First Phase - 2017 Vote
For more information on the first phase of the capital improvement plan, click here.