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Where are the 87% who did not vote last May? And why the costly “ugliness” of a new Science Taj Mahal, plus 12-16 added classrooms, that may well be excessive?

Hear:

• The District’s Facilities Committee recommended last year a much less intrusive way to modernize science rooms that will lower cost, visibility and soil risks, with a cluster of new science labs on top of enlarged locker and fitness rooms. Or could a 2-level glass building be built on the High School’s empty inner courtyard?
• Both alternatives add 6-8 new class rooms for only $500,000, should these prove needed, which is another big question: most recent enrollment projections are flat through 2013-14, giving us an extra year to refine the above alternatives, and to obtain new projections next October, calibrated with September 2012 enrollment.
• Bob Zahm and Kendall Egan (ex-Facilities Com. Chair) agree the bond is premature. A year delay would have NO material consequences for students, yet will help develop a more sustainable approach to modern science rooms plus 6-8 new regular classrooms in several synergistic ways such as:
  • Calibrate new Oct. 2012 projections (Bishop, BOCES) with Sept. 2012 enrollment
  • Optimize new science labs plus 6-8 new class rooms, and maximize state aid
  • Conduct a more thorough and lengthy competitive bidding process to optimize costs
  • Optimize budget savings on operating costs, and the use of more than $15 million in “Fund Reserves” plus another more than $4 million in hidden excess margins (October 2011 Audit), with the Finance & Budget Committee at last re-opened to willing and able citizens.

I hope that all eligible Rye voters will vote December 13 and will consider voting “NO”on this Rushed Bond Issue, in favor of a sounder one next Fall:

NO Pain, ALL Gain.

Questions welcome! A four-page detailed study available on request to bbdf@defrondeville.com