Submitted by Meaghan Keegan
On Wednesday, March 13, Hoosick Falls community members voted on a capital renovation project for Hoosick Falls Central School (HFCS). The project was split into two propositions, both of which passed. The final vote for Proposition 1 was 647 Yes and 343 No and for Proposition 2 the results were 614 Yes and 372 No.
“We are deeply appreciative.” said Ken Facin, Superintendent of Schools, “We are thankful for the community’s overwhelming support of our students and our school.”
The project includes several updates that will create a safer and higher quality environment for learning, such as the removal of asbestos ceiling tiles, the updating of the entire heating and control system, and the renovation of the school’s science and music rooms.
“I am extremely thankful for the voters support of this project” explained John Helft, President of the Board of Education. “Not only are these upgrades vital to the safety and learning of our students, but, in the long run, the project will actually save the taxpayers money in energy savings and repair costs. This is a great day for the district.”
Emily Sanders, the school’s Business Manager, explained, “The next step in the process is to design the project and submit detailed plans to the New York State Facility Planning Office for approval. The design phase can take about 6 months, and the State approval process can take 6 to 18 months. We hope to complete the design phase by the end of the summer, have State approval by March next year and then to start construction in the summer of 2020.”
“Thank you for this opportunity to create a wonderful learning environment for the students of our District,” added Sanders.
The student body expressed its thanks for community support through a video, which includes a clip featuring the entire high school student body. The video is available on the school’s Facebook page and website: www.hoosickfallscsd.org.