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Ripley residents approve school project

RIPLEY — Ripley residents expressed their support for the Ripley Central School district’s capital project by a margin of three to one on Wednesday.

The proposed $3.91 million project passed with 75 residents voting “yes” and 27 voting “no.”

“We’re grateful for the continued support of the community and excited to start working on the much needed repairs and updates to our building,” said Ripley Superintendent William Caldwell.

Caldwell explained the scope of the project at a public hearing on Sept. 16, emphasizing that the repairs and renovations would not have an impact on the district’s tax levy. “The project is designed to be tax neutral,” he said.

With a cost of $3.91 million, 95% ($2.75 million) will be covered by aid from New York State, he added.

The project will take place in two stages, Caldwell said. Stage 1 includes roof repair, replacement of unit ventilators in south wing, relocation of main office and district rooms 119 through 122 to provide increased security, reconstruction of rest rooms 172 and 173 to ADA specifications, and replacement of rooftop units to include air conditioning at the cafeteria and the small gym.

Stage 2 will involve replacing a paved area to include a tennis court, a middle play court, and a basketball court; and replacing and reconstructing the stone parking lot area, Caldwell said.

Work on the project is scheduled to begin in July, 2022, Caldwell said. If all goes according to plan, the work should be completed by June, 2023.

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