TURNER – SAD 52 students at Greene Central School will be getting more classroom space and updated program spaces after voter approval of a $6.34 million referendum Tuesday.

Only 455 voters marked ballots on the single question in the district towns of Turner, Leeds and Greene but 274 of them said yes. They marked those ballots in the affirmative in spite of unknown funding amounts for the four building projects.

“We know we are getting $240,000 from the state for the conversion of leased space to permanent space,” SAD 52 Business Manager Chris Trenholm said Wednesday. “And we are applying for funds from the state’s Revolving Renovation Fund in a number of categories, but so are the schools in the rest of the state.”

The district will know by the spring of 2004, when bids go out on the projects, how much funding to expect from the state. Several aspects of the two biggest projects, at Greene and Tripp Middle School in Turner, qualify for state funds, Trenholm said. But whether the district will get them and how much they will get is still unknown.

Work on the projects will begin next spring. The additions at both Tripp and Greene can be worked on during school but the major renovations to the current Greene building will have to be accomplished during the summer months, Trenholm said. All projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2004.

Local funding will be obtained through a 10-year bond, according to Trenholm, and dependent upon the amount needed from local property taxes could raise taxes from one to two mills, he said. Any money received from the state’s Revolving Renovation Fund would be forgiven at approximately 63 percent with the remainder being repaid with no interest due.

Greene Central School

The plan shows an addition that will replace leased portables with classrooms for music and art, computer instruction, staff and administration. Renovations to the wings built in 1954 and 1964 will include replacing ventilation systems, windows, heating and toilet facilities. These two wings, according to school officials, are the source of many code and air quality health issues because of their age. There will also be renovations to the library, cafeteria and gymnasium. All roofs will be replaced and insulation increased and exterior siding will be replaced. Both parking and bus drop-offs will be improved. The additional land to accomplish this addition was approved by voters last fall at a cost of $117,500 and is now owned by the district. Approximate cost is $4,640,000.

Tripp Middle School

At Tripp, there will be approximately 9,000 square feet of new construction to replace portable classrooms and leased space now being used in the Leavitt Institute building. With the addition of these permanent classrooms, programs can be brought together as well as staff planning. The science room will be renovated and some toilet and storage spaces will be improved. Approximate cost $1,505,000. Work is to begin in the spring and expected to be completed by end of 2004.

Leeds Central School

Proposals for Leeds include expansion of the parking lot and a newly designed bus loop to eliminate congestion at the main entrance. There will be a new “entrance only” drive for buses and cars as well as a dedicated bus-only lane designed to enhance safety for student drop-off and pickup. Approximate cost is $111,800 and the work is slated for the summer of 2004.

Leavitt Institute

As part of the new 11-year lease agreement with the town of Turner, SAD 52 officials agreed to upgrade and repave the institute parking lot. This lot serves not only the Institute building, which houses the SAD 52 administrative offices as well as the town library, but also Turner Elementary School and Tripp. The lot will be redesigned and repaved to add more parking spaces. This project will also include some changes and upgrades to the administrative offices within the building. Approximate cost is $82,600 and the work is to be done during the summer of 2004.

Vote counts in the district towns were: Leeds, 30 yes and 59 no; Greene, 146 yes and 61 no; and Turner, 98 yes and 58 no. Two ballots were spoiled.

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