MORRISTOWN – A  $16.9 capital project to address concerns identified in a recent Building Conditions Survey will be voted on today by Morristown Central School residents.

The vote will be held from noon to 8 p.m. in the school’s main lobby. All qualified voters must be registered in advance with the District Clerk or the County Board of Elections.

The nearly $17M in improvements will be largely funded by state aid, with a building aid reimbursement rate of 79.9%,” according to BOCES spokesperson Brittany Frank.

The district will contribute $3.5 million in reserve funds to offset the impact on local taxpayers, resulting in an estimated tax levy of .695% to make up the remaining $28,118. This estimated levy will result in minimal increases to local taxes, estimated at $.095 per $1,000 of home value.

Frank said the project prioritizes building infrastructure, safety and security, and space adequacy needs in the district.

The scope of the proposed project was determined following a recent Building Conditions Survey, during which target areas for improvement were identified. With a primary focus on building infrastructure, the project includes roof replacements, HVAC enhancements, necessary improvements to parking lots, masonry restoration, and site drainage maintenance at the bus garage.

These improvements will include the renovations and expansion of the STEM classroom into a STEM suite, the addition of a choral music classroom and dedicated performance stage, the expansion of the fitness center which will allow for community access, and full reconstruction of the kitchen and cafeteria spaces.

Additionally, the project would include door and lock replacements, new restrooms at the elementar, nurse’s office expansion, gymnasium seating replacement, and controlled exterior access to building bathroom facilities. 

If approved, the project construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.