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No. The Capital Project will not increase the tax levy. It is funded through State Aid, Capital Reserve, cash on hand, and operational savings created by the efficiencies of becoming a Central Campus. Together, these funding sources allow the District to invest in facilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The plan is designed for sustainability. The work in both propositions can be completed without increasing taxes. Here’s how:

• The total cost of both propositions combined is $41.9 million.
• Proposition 1 would use bond funding (similar to a mortgage for school) to invest $26.9 million in Bennett Elementary.
• Proposition 2 can be completed without any borrowing.
• Annual debt payments for the bond are about $2.55 million.

The cost of both propositions is offset by:

• Approximately $1.1 million annually for 15 years in annual State Aid, and
• $15 million saved in the voter-approved Capital Reserve/cash, and
• More than $3.2 million in annual efficiency savings from consolidation.

After paying annual costs for both propositions, there is still a net savings of more than $1.7 million per year, helping protect taxpayers from potential Foundation Aid reductions and/or rising costs in other areas of the budget.

The total combined cost of both propositions is now $41.9 million—a 40% reduction from the original plan. In addition, the borrowing required for this proposal was reduced by more than half.

Both propositions enhance safety, improve the learning environments, and support equitable access to high-quality programs in art, music, and STEM.

Proposition 1 supports the District’s goal of keeping Grade 5 students as part of the Elementary School, ensuring consistent academic opportunities and access to specialized services for all K–5 learners.

School facilities are shared public assets, and maintaining them protects the community’s investment. This plan provides students with safe, modern learning environments while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Onteora’s buildings and grounds are used well beyond the school day—serving as gathering spaces and recreational resources for residents of all ages. Athletic fields support youth leagues and community recreation, fostering early athletic development and local connections. The running track offers a safe, accessible space for walking and fitness, and school facilities are regularly available for community meetings and events.

Financially, even after paying for the bond associated with Proposition 1, the transition to a Central Campus is projected to generate more than $1.7 million in annual savings within the District’s operating budget. These savings help protect taxpayers by offsetting future cost increases or reductions in Foundation Aid, ensuring Onteora’s stability and strength for years to come.

If Proposition 1 is not approved, the District will still move to a Central Campus by 2028. Grade 5 would relocate to the Middle School, creating a Grades 5–8 configuration, while Bennett Elementary would serve Grades K–4.

If Proposition 2 is not approved, the District would continue operating with aging infrastructure, and important renovations and safety upgrades would need to be postponed until funding is approved. Current inefficiencies, such as old boilers and drafty windows, and risks of costly repairs, such as to sanitary sewer lines and an underground fuel tank, would strain the operating budget. Because construction and material costs typically increase over time, completing the same work later would likely be more expensive.

No. The difficult decision to close Woodstock Elementary School has already been made. After multiple meetings and emotional discussions, the Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to close the school at the end of the 2027–2028 school year and to create a Central Campus by September 2028. This resolution was approved at the October 21, 2025 Board meeting.

The result of Proposition 1 on the December 10 ballot will determine where Grade 5 learns and will give the District nearly three years to plan a thoughtful transition.

• If Proposition 1 passes: Bennett will become the District’s K–5 elementary school, and the Middle School will serve Grades 6–8.
• If Proposition 1 fails: Bennett will serve Grades K–4, and the Middle School will serve Grades 5–8, beginning in the fall of 2028.

There is ample time to develop a thoughtful, well-communicated transition plan to welcome Woodstock students, families, and staff to the Boiceville campus by September 2028. Current Woodstock staff are expected to join their students at the new elementary school, and any necessary staff reassignments will be handled carefully. If reductions are required, they will be made through attrition whenever possible. The District’s priority is to ensure that all students and staff feel connected and supported in their new school community.

If approved, the District will immediately begin working with architectural and construction professionals to develop final designs for submission to the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Once NYSED approval is secured, the District will conduct a competitive bidding process, after which construction can begin.

Work will be phased strategically to minimize disruption to teaching and learning, with nights, weekends, holidays, and school breaks used for updates in student-occupied spaces. The project is anticipated to be complete by September 2028.

The District’s priority is to explore options for future use that preserve Woodstock Elementary School’s value as a local asset. While there are no immediate plans, deed restrictions allow only school or residential use, which could provide opportunities for additional housing to benefit the community. Any purchaser seeking a different use would need to pursue a deed alteration.

The decision for a single polling location was driven by the logistics of a special election and the availability of qualified poll workers. The Onteora Middle/High School campus in Boiceville offers ADA accessibility, ample well-lit parking, and spacious indoor facilities that can comfortably accommodate high voter turnout.

To make voting more convenient, polls will be open from 7 AM to 9 PM—a significant extension from past elections—giving residents greater flexibility to vote at a time that works best for them.

Any eligible voter in the Onteora Central School District can skip the lines on December 10 and vote using an Early Mail Ballot. The process involves four simple steps that must be completed in advance. Complete details and deadlines are available here.