WACS Superintendent Michal Cipolla and Board of Education member Deanne Manzella text the results of the Capital Improvement Project to other members of the board.

WESTFIELD — Cheers broke out in the gym atrium of Westfield Academy and Central School as the results of a public vote on a $23.5 million Capital Improvement Project were announced — 353 yes votes and 254 no votes.

“This allows us to continue to provide our students with a quality education and to continue to enhance our district to meet the changing needs in education,” said district Superintendent Michael Cipolla. “I am thankful and appreciative of everyone in the community who took the time to vote, either way.”

The district has actively sought feedback on the project from students, staff and community members throughout the past year. Information on the project was disseminated in many different ways, including billboards, staff and student videos and informational meetings.

Cipolla said the Board of Education will make the vote results official at their meeting on Monday. “To be able to move forward with this project — to offer educational enhancements for our students and staff — is a very rewarding feeling,” he said.

However, Cipolla noted, the scope of the capital improvements has been in the works for well over a decade. The athletic complex, which is one of the main components of this project, has been deteriorating for several years.

“This took years in the making,” Cipolla said. “I was speaking with a community member before the vote, who said that it has been at least 15 years that these improvements have been discussed, and to be able to offer this to our students is wonderful.”

Cipolla said many people were involved in preparing the scope of the project. “It was a complete team effort, from the Board of Education, student feedback, staff and community members,” he said. “We could not have done it without our key stakeholders.”

Board President Wendy Dyment said she was very pleased with the outcome. “This is very exciting. People who are alumni are very proud of this school and the things we accomplish for the students,” she said. “We appreciate the community support for the next phase of Westfield’s future.”

Dyment stressed that the project does not just benefit students. “This is a community school,” she said. “It’s exciting to have the project take place, not just for students, but for the people of this community.”

Longtime board member Deanne Manzella was on hand to hear the outcome of the vote. ‘I’m very happy that the public showed their support,’ she said. ‘Our administration did a lot of work to get us to this day.’