Congers Elementary Bond Approved by Voters

Voters approved a $6.5 million plan to repair Congers Elementary School by more than 1,000 votes. 

The final count was 3,411 "yes" votes and 2,362 "no" votes, district officials said. 

Support for the bond varied greatly among the election districts. Only in Election District 2, at Lakewood Elementary School, did the 'yes' votes outnumber the 'no' votes —but the majority there was enough to carry the whole district.  

In unofficial results:

• Election District 1, North Clarkstown High School — 560 "yes" votes and 1,107 "no" votes
  Election District 2, Lakewood Elementary School — 2,126 yes, 127 no
• Election District 3, Link Elementary School  437 yes, 664 no
• Election District 4, West Nyack Elementary School — yes 288, no 464 

Reconstruction of the original 1927 building gym walls would cost $1,586,753, district officials said. It would involve removal and reconstruction of the south and west side gym walls and structural repair of the east side gym wall. The reconstruction of the original 1927 north and east side exterior walls would run $3,056,202. 

Removal and reconstruction of the north and east wall sections of the original 1927 building requires roof replacement at a cost of $933,604. The roofs on the 1956 and 1970 sections of the building would also be replaced.

Installation of ADA accessibility upgrades for the main school entrance, main floor bathroom facilities and one main floor mid-corridor ramp carry a price tag of $350,000.

Window replacements in the portions of the building constructed in 1956 and 1970 are expected to cost $573,441.

School Superintendent Dr. J. Thomas Morton proposed a redistricting plan for Congers students that would transfer them to the New City and Lakewood elementary schools whether the bond passed or not. Congers’ approximately 300 students have been attending classes in the former St. Augustine’s School in New City since mid-October. 

His proposal to the school board would eliminate eight teaching positions because it will reduce the number of elementary classes. Under the superintendent’s recommendation they would become part of the general student body at the two schools.