Be Informed
Capital Project Planning Overview
“In conjunction with the ‘Mahopac Way,’ the Mahopac Central School Board of Education adopted in February a strategic direction that will continue to support the high-quality instructional and extracurricular activities that make our schools and community an outstanding place to live and raise a family,” said Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo.
This capital projects proposal was developed with much thought and deliberation. In the fall of 2018, the Board of Education and the Buildings & Grounds Committee directed a group of school leaders, parents and community members to create a plan that addresses the most pressing facilities needs in our district. Over several months, this diverse group of Mahopac community members created this capital improvement project plan based on:
- A community survey
- Mahopac’s Building Condition Survey (a five-year facilities review for the New York State Education Department) and many discussions with teachers, staff, parents, students and community members.
The District opts to fund capital projects such as this through a bond because it maximizes our eligibility for state aid and because costs are spread over a long period of time.
A vote for the bond supports our belief that that stronger schools equal stronger communities.
The voting takes place on Tuesday, May 21 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Mahopac High School at the same time as the annual school budget vote.
Over the past number of years, the District has made great progress in improving our academic programs. We continue to prepare our students for the global workforce and the challenges a career and college will have to offer in the 21st century.
Upon voter approval of the capital improvement project plan, work will be conducted in each of the District’s six schools and the bus garage. This work will address:
- STEAM & science facilities
- Conversion of libraries into modern multimedia centers
- Music & performance areas
- Athletic fields & facilities
- Infrastructure & energy efficiency
- Security improvements
Districtwide, we continue to build experiences in all curricular areas that offer real-world application of learning. This includes Maker Spaces, which encourage students to analyze, problem-solve and work together.
Students are also learning computer coding skills from an early age, as this has become an essential component of a K-12 education.
With technology transforming the way students gather and process information, the library of the 21st century has become a multimedia center allowing for multifaceted investigation and student collaboration. Under the proposed plan, Mahopac libraries will be enhanced to offer these resources to our students.
We can be justly proud of Mahopac’s excellent music program. Last year, the district was named among the Top 500 National Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants. Renovations to aging music rooms in the middle and high schools, proposed in this plan, will allow our students to continue to excel.
Maintenance of district buildings and improvements to energy efficiency will provide long-term economies and quality learning spaces. Lighting, roof maintenance, heating, ventilation and air conditioning will all be addressed.
The plan also includes a phased approach for campus improvements for the Middle School, High School and Mahopac Falls property, including building a water treatment plant.
Athletics has always been a big part of the Mahopac school community and we are proud of our outstanding athletes. Improvements to athletic facilities, including construction of a multipurpose turf field and updates to the boys’ locker rooms, will help to ensure Mahopac athletics continues to be the pride of the community.
The district has planned a number of information sessions, open to all, so residents may see the instructional and facility challenges our buildings face.
