The district is pursuing a Clean Green Energy Project through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to install HVAC systems and mechanical upgrades throughout the district. The project, totaling $7,466,977, would be entirely covered by state aid, grants and NYSERDA funding.

The project would be funded by a NYSERDA grant of $945,377 and $100,000 in utility rebates, with the remaining cost of over $6.4 million to be offset by New York State Building Aid.

Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor initially spoke on the matter in January. “We thought it was too good to be true,” O’Connor said at the time. In the months since, Forestville felt comfortable with the project’s scope and funding opportunities in order to proceed.

The only downside for the district is that in order for the work to be covered at no tax impact, voters would need to approve the project — the second substantial building project in less than two years.

Forestville Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor called the district’s proposed Clean Green Energy Project “a tremendous opportunity.” Photos by Braden Carmen

The project will be up for a public vote Thursday, Oct. 16 from 1 until 8 p.m. in the Middle/High School lobby. Absentee ballots are available at the District Clerk’s office. Military ballot applications must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. Sept. 22.

While the work would be covered by grants and state aid, it would still first need to be borrowed by the district. The total cost of the project combined with the previously approved Capital Project now surpasses $19 million, but it would still not require a tax increase. Voters approved the Capital Project by a vote of 128-31. Since then, the district approved a school tax levy increase of 2.3% this year, after no tax increase in back-to-back years. The increase of 2.3% was the most the district could request without exceeding the tax cap.

The already-approved Capital Project includes various maintenance upgrades both inside and out of multiple District facilities. The improvements include a repair of the cafeteria’s outside wall; a front entrance renovation at the Elementary School to mitigate flooding concerns; brick repointing at each of the District’s main buildings to address water damage; locker room upgrades at both buildings; and an upgrade to the Middle/High School Weight Room to provide access for the community after school hours.

Many other areas were also targeted as part of the initial planning phase of the proposal, including a major heating and cooling system, but it was deemed too cost-prohibitive for the District to pursue with all of the other needs. The additions through the Clean Green Energy Project would address many of those needs.

As part of the proposed Clean Green Energy Project, the district would install new rooftop units at both schools to address heating, air conditioning, and air quality in classrooms, cafeterias, music rooms, and gymnasiums. The project would also replace windows on the second and third floors of the Middle/High School to reduce energy loss. Electrical upgrades will improve efficiency, as well.

Addressing heating and cooling systems in schools is a more prevalent concern than ever now that the Heat Mitigation in Public Schools legislation takes effect Sept. 1. The law requires districts to adhere to statewide guidelines for temperatures in classrooms and other district spaces. The proposed upgrades to the district’s facilities would address such concerns.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our district to modernize our buildings, meet environmental standards, and enhance learning environments — all without placing a burden on local taxpayers. I encourage all residents to participate in the vote and help us shape a healthier future for the Forestville school community,” O’Connor said.

For more information, contact District Clerk Melody Voigt at (716) 965-6539 or mvoigt@forestville.com or visit the district’s website at forestville.com.