A Foundation for Excellence

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came out in support of the building project Tuesday night. The Watervliet City School’s Board of Education and I both feel that the result of the vote (582-98: after the count of the absentee ballots) is a clear illustration of how much the community is invested in the continuing improvement of our schools and is a reflection of a true understanding of the importance of education.

I would also like to thank our Facilities Task Force for their time and effort. This task force has devoted considerable time over the past two years to help set our district on the path to renewed, rejuvenated and modern school facilities.

Finally, thanks to the WTA for their unwavering support.

This project was designed to be an investment not just in bricks and mortar, but in our students, the quality of their education and the future of our whole community. When its finished, it will provide 21^st century facilities for the 1400 learners in our district – facilities that every resident of the city of Watervliet can be proud of.

In the next few weeks, we will be submitting our project plans to the state education department for approval and preparing to accept bids from contractors. We will keep everyone up to date on the progress of the project through the construction link of our web site.

Thanks again to all of our supporters!

Watervliet Building Project

As you may be aware, the Watervliet City School District Board of Education recently approved a resolution for a $21.7 million building proposition that will go to voters in early March. The proposal expands and renovates the Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School and also includes some additional improvements to the Watervliet Elementary School.

This is really a great time to be doing a project of this scope, as our district is eligible for 95.2 percent building aid from the state and we have $700,000 in remaining excel funds available for the project. The tax impact on homeowners is expected to be less than one percent. We hope that all community members will learn as much as they can about this proposal and be sure to come out and vote on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Here’s how you can learn more about the project:

• A newsletter outlining the details of the proposal will be sent to all district residents in late February.
• A public meeting will be held give an overview of the project and provide an opportunity for community residents to ask questions will be held Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00 pm in the WJSHS auditorium.
• Informational videos will air on WVLT later in February.
• Information, including blue prints of the proposed additions and renovations, frequently asked questions and timelines for the project, are available on the district’s website, www.watervlietcityschools.org.

Please keep in mind that in order to vote on the proposed building project and/or the district's budget in May, you need to be registered to vote.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the proposal or about the process leading up to the vote. I can be reached in my office at 629-3201, or you can e-mail me at ppadalin@vliet.neric.org.