Letter from the Superintendent About Capital Bond Project

Dear Newburgh Enlarged City School District residents, 

On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, the Board of Education voted to approve two Propositions (Nos. 4 and 5) to be placed on the ballot for our Annual Meeting (School Budget Vote/Board Election), that will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 12:00pm – 9:00pm. This is an exciting time for the district! 

Our architects have advised that our school buildings are in need of improvement. Many buildings are outdated, having been built in the early to mid-1900s. Some of our classrooms are held in spaces that were not designed for learning. To focus on these issues a steering committee was created which was comprised of community members, teachers, and administrators. The committee met regularly for nearly two years. The plans evolved through nearly 35 iterations with the intent that the final proposal focus on a project that will both positively affect our children while minimizing the financial impact on our community. 

Proposition 4 focuses on improvements to the physical structure of all school buildings, renovating educational spaces, the demolition and reconstruction of a 119 year old building section, the construction of a new building to expand the Career and Technical Education opportunities for all of our high school scholars, and more. These improvements are intended to create more efficient learning environments and prepare our students for college and/or their careers. 

Proposition 5 addresses air quality and environmental systems/air conditioning in all of our school buildings. A 2006 study titled, “Research Report on Effects of HVAC on Student Performance” showed that improvements in air quality have been shown to provide a healthier, more comfortable, and more efficient learning environment. These improvements would also allow us the opportunity to expand summer programs for our scholars. 

Our fiscal advisors have estimated that the average monthly impact for each $100,000 of a property’s Full Value will cost $0.98 per month for Proposition 4. The average estimated monthly tax impact for each $100,000 of a property's Full Value for Propositions 4 and 5 combined will cost $1.82 per month. Proposition 5 will not be implemented unless Proposition 4 passes. These estimates do not reflect STAR or Veterans exemptions. In addition, our fiscal advisors have advised that if the propositions are approved there will be no tax impact for eight (8) years. 

Detailed information about the proposed Capital Bond plan can be found by visiting bond.newburghschools.org. My team and I will also be hosting a series of forums through which you can learn more about the proposed project and have an opportunity to ask questions. If you are unable to attend those forums, please feel free to send your questions to: Bond@necsd.net. As questions are posed, we will update the FAQ section of the Capital Bond website. 

As a district we continue to reflect on our mission of inspiring students to become leaders beyond Academy Field. These propositions will be on the ballot on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 12:00pm – 9:00pm. We encourage you to take advantage of the information that is provided on our website and in our forums as we strive to create safe, effective, and comfortable learning environments for all of our scholars. 

Through the work of all,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D., Superintendent
Newburgh Enlarged City School District

 VISIT CAPITAL BOND WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!