Canton voters approve school upgrades

CANTON — Building improvements totaling $15 million got the green light Tuesday at Canton Central School District.

A large turnout of 709 voters overwhelmingly approved two separate propositions to fund upgrades for the 300,000-square-foot building complex at 99 State St.

“I think people understand it takes a great deal of resources to maintain a facility of this size,” said School Superintendent William A. Gregory. “They were all need-to-have things. I think people were willing to support the needs.”

Proposition 1 was approved 606-103 and allows the district to spend $6 million to install a new hot water heating system to replace the existing steam boiler system that has been plagued by leaks and malfunctions. It will also cover asbestos removal, new interior and exterior lighting and repair of curbing and sidewalks.

A second proposition passed by a vote of 485-222. It provides $9 million for a variety of upgrades including renovations to McKenney Middle School, a new outdoor running track, a new security system, upgrades to athletic fields and other improvements.

The next step is to complete design work for the heating system and submit the plan to the state Education Department for approval. Construction would begin in June and finish in October 2013, according to a preliminary timeline.

Upgrades in Proposition 2 would start in January 2013 and finish in October 2014, according to the plan.

An estimated 89 percent of the total project cost is to be covered by state building aid. The district will pay its share over a 15-year period beginning in the 2013-14 school year.

The voter turnout exceeded the 644 votes that were cast during last May’s budget vote.

Historically, voter turnout is usually low for school capital projects, but this time district officials worked hard to inform residents about the project and encouraged them to vote.

Mr. Gregory said he explained the project during 14 community outreach sessions, including meetings with civic groups,senior citizens, Canton fire department members and other community groups. Details of the project were outlined on the district’s website and quarterly newsletter.

“Tonight’s positive votes serves to underscore the value our community places on the education of our children,” Mr. Gregory said.

Scott J. Sanderson , the district’s director of operations, agreed the public outreach was important.

“We put a lot of effort into communicating to the public the health and safety needs of the school,” Mr. Sanderson said. “We wanted to make sure people understood the condition of the building so they could make an informed decision.”