Pictured is a rendering for a multi-purpose, synthetic turf athletic complex at the main campus of Fredonia Central Schools. The $17.7 million complex would require a tax levy increase of nearly 10% when combined with other District needs.

Fredonia Central School District is seeking the input of residents regarding the upcoming capital project that could total more than $50 million with a potential public vote in December.

“The work really began in December of 2023 with the analysis of the state-mandated Building Condition Survey,” states Board President, Steve Johnston, “since then we have held six non-voting BOE workshops that were open to the public, as well as a public forum in January and an online survey to gather voter feedback on the needs of the district.”

That feedback, along with the results of the Building Condition Survey completed by architectural firm Young and Wright, helped to shape three proposed propositions that are currently being discussed as part of an upcoming capital project.

“The district is working hard to finalize the scope and cost of the project. We’re seeking input from eligible voters through public comment and our Capital Project Survey,” states Brad Zilliox, Fredonia superintendent.

The district is considering a capital project with three propositions on the ballot for a December vote. The first proposition refers to what the district calls “warm, safe and dry” areas of concern. Initially, the district received a recommendation of approximately $50 million of necessary work to maintain its buildings. After conducting roof scans to further evaluate the needs and prioritizing the most urgent issues, the District is proposing $22.1 million of maintenance in the first of three proposals.

As previously reported by the OBSERVER, more than $15 million of the building maintenance needs are located at the main campus, including over $7 million in roofing improvements only pertaining to the most dire areas of the roofs. Mechanical system upgrades of $4.73 million and electrical system upgrades of $3.54 million are also deemed necessary to do within the next capital project, with less pressing needs potentially pushed back to one of the two upcoming projects down the road.

The first proposition carries a 1.9% tax increase, beginning in 2025-2026. The tax increase is non-compounding, staying level each year moving forward. The district anticipates 77% of state aid for the first proposition, with capital reserve funds, retiring debt service, and the 1.9% increase covering the remaining 23% of work that is not covered by state aid.

The second proposition the district aims to propose is to address the music department needs for enhanced education and performance spaces. Planned renovations for the music department spaces include a 1,930 square foot band room, a 1,200 square foot space for the orchestra, and a 930 square foot space for the chorus. Also included are five offices or group spaces and five practice rooms. The renovations to accommodate the music department will be done within the existing footprint of the campus, which will not impact the district’s state aid calculations.

If the district’s music spaces are expanded and enhanced through the current proposition, the project will cost $10 million in total, with 78% of the work covered by state aid. The remaining 22% of work would require a 1.1% tax increase, following the same parameters of the first proposition. Proposition 2 is contingent on Proposition 1 passing, meaning the total impact of both passing would be a 3% tax increase, in line with the increase to the 2023-2024 budget increase less than two years prior to the proposed vote this upcoming December.

Proposition 3 focuses on athletic facilities upgrades, centered around a $17.7 million multi-purpose, synthetic turf athletic complex on the land behind the main campus. The proposition also includes tennis court replacement and decommissioning costs of the Orange Bowl. The total cost of Proposition 3 is $19.6 million.

The multi-purpose complex will be usable for baseball, softball, football and soccer games, with baseball and softball fields separated enough to allow for games to be held simultaneously. Grandstand bleachers will be installed, along with a press box, goal posts, dugouts, backstops, portable bleachers and portable fences for baseball and softball. The complex would also feature a sound system. Parking will be available for 150 vehicles and approximately 1,000 guests can be accommodated at any given time. However, a concession stand and restroom facility would not be included.

The issue for Fredonia is that Proposition 3 is contingent on the first two proposals passing before its own fate will be decided. Because of that, by the time Proposition 3 is addressed, Fredonia will have already used up most of its state aid cap space. Of the $19.6 million required for Proposition 3, only 29% will be eligible for state aid, compared to over 75% of the work in the first two propositions. To cover the remaining 71% of work, the District would need to add an additional 6.9% tax increase on top of the 3% tax hike attached to the first two propositions, which totals a 9.9% increase for all three propositions to pass.

The next capital project Board of Education workshop will be Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the High School library. The workshop is open to the public to attend without comment. During the Board of Education meeting at 6 there will be a special presentation about the project followed immediately by a time for public comment.

The survey contains a summary of the three proposed propositions that are being considered at this time. The survey, and information about each of the proposed propositions, is available on the district website: https://www.fredonia.wnyric.org/page/capital-project-surveys.

The site also has a printable version of the survey available for download and slides from the July 16 Board of Education meeting that provide more detailed information about each proposal, including the scope, overall cost and what percentage of that cost is eligible for state aid.

The feedback from the survey will help the district gauge the level of support within the community for the currently proposed propositions and what adjustments may need to be made before they are finalized for the potential vote in December.

If someone cannot fill out the survey online and does not have access to a printer, please contact the District Office at 716-679-1581 and request a printed version.

The survey will remain open until Thursday, Aug. 1.