There are several items at the sites indicated in this newsletter that need to be addressed before they become hazardous and unsafe for faculty and students. Many of these items were identified in our 2021 Building Condition Survey.

A Building Condition Survey (BCS) is a comprehensive evaluation mandated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) every five years to assess the state of school facilities. The BCS examines all major building systems and components to identify necessary repairs, replacements, and upgrades. The findings assist school districts in planning capital improvements and ensuring safe, healthy learning environments for students and staff.

The funding for this project has been carefully planned to ensure no additional tax impact on the community. It will be fully covered through state funding and existing budget allocations. This approach allows the district to responsibly manage costs within its existing financial framework, ensuring that taxpayers will not see an increase in their taxes as a result of this project.

Yes, it is. The New York State Legislature has given all districts an opportunity to use tax dollars collected across the state to enhance their communities through school building improvements and renovations. This is an opportunity to keep some of those tax dollars in our own community, improving safety and the overall educational setting for our students.

If approved, Proposition 2 would allow the district to make several significant security improvements including upgraded security cameras and electronic door locks. In addition, these funds would cover the cost of replacements to failing public announcement and clock systems at the high school and middle school.

By creating a capital project from the work that needs to be done, the district will receive approximately 80 cents back on every dollar spent. Security infrastructure upgrades made using capital reserve funds will be reimbursed at approximately 75 cents on the dollar. Without these reimbursements from New York State, the entire cost would rest on the taxpayers.

We encourage the community to attend the public hearing during the Board of Education’s regular business meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Gates Chili Professional Learning Center at Gates Chili High School. Additional information can be found on the district website. For additional questions, please email communications@gateschili.org.

The vote will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way.

Voter eligibility: Anyone who is at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the Gates Chili Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote on Feb. 5, 2025 is eligible. You do not need to be registered to vote, but you must bring identification and proof of residency.

Proof of residency: The school district may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to the Education Law §2018-C. Such form may include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill or a voter registration card. Upon offer of proof of residency, the school district may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name and address.

Absentee or early mail ballots: Gates Chili residents who are unable to appear at the vote due to travel, illness, or other qualifying circumstances may apply for absentee or early mail voting ballots. Go to gateschili.org/vote to download an application for one of these ballots. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, applications must be received by the district clerk by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. If the ballot is to be picked up by the voter, applications must be received by the district clerk by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. In both cases, completed ballots must be returned to the district clerk by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.