Amherst Schools
$16.5 million capital project proposed for May vote
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Voters in the Amherst Central School District might have a $16.5 million capital project to approve the same day as the budget vote in May.

(See editorial on page four)

Board President William T. Blanford unveiled the proposed capital project at the Jan. 23 board meeting.

Out of the district's four buildings, the high school was allocated the most ($5.6 million), followed by Windermere Boulevard Elementary ($5.3 million), the middle school ($4.3 million) and Smallwood Drive Elementary ($1.2 million).

The most expensive project is a $2.4 million kitchen/cafeteria expansion at Windermere. Other major work involves roof replacement at the high school, middle school and Windermere; new parking lots at Windermere and Smallwood; and a parking expansion by the athletic field off Westmoreland Road.

Other highlights of the proposed plan are a second elevator and auditorium upgrade at the high school; an upgrade of science, music and art rooms at the middle school; and new auditorium carpet, seating and paint at Smallwood.

A retiring bond this year combined with EXCEL (Expanding our Children's Education and Learning) aid make up $10.7 million of the project. An additional $6 million will raise the tax levy 1 percent in 2008-09.

Blanford said the starting point for the proposed project came in 2004 when the district filed its five-year plan with the State Education Department.

Blanford said a capital project committee of himself, board members David A. Stocking and Laura Meyers-Rogerson, and any other board members who could attend, has met since October and reviewed the plan's contents with the district's architect, Thomas Associates.

The committee also gathered input from district building leaders and James Gruszka, director of facilities management, to assess the impact of capital needs on programs. Also, Mark Whyle, director of administrative services, worked with the bond adviser to provide scenarios on potential project size, EXCEL aid possibilities and budget impacts.

Whyle said the board needs to approve the plan 45 days before it goes public for voter approval on May 15. The plan also has to undergo a state environmental quality review.

In other district news: Mara B. Huber, director of special programs at the University at Buffalo, recommended that the board postpone plans to change the school structure at Smallwood for the upcoming school year. Smallwood Principal Barbara Marotto is retiring at the end of the school year.

Also, a spaghetti dinner benefit for the Boccolucci family will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 at the Amherst Central High School cafeteria.

The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children under 10, and no charge for children 2 years and under. Desserts will be available for purchase. Live entertainment by Toast, a basket auction, 50-50 split, bounce house and face painting will also be available.

Sharon Boccolucci, who worked in district office, is battling breast and bone cancer.

The next board meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the District Office in the rear of Amherst Middle School, 55 Kings Highway.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com