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Bond - May 2025 Referendum

Capital Improvements 101

In New York State, school districts follow a two-tiered approach to maintain and improve facilities. Annual operating budgets handle routine maintenance and operational needs, while capital bonds address larger, long-term projects identified through five-year facilities assessments (as required by the state) and targeted upgrades to support instructional goals. Unlike operating budgets, which fund yearly expenses, capital bonds distribute the cost of major projects over their extended lifespan, ensuring equitable financial planning.

Over the years, Hastings has used capital bonds prudently to deliver transformative projects, such as the renovations of Hillside Elementary School, the Farragut Middle School (FMS) Auditorium, and the FMS/High School (HHS) Music Rehearsal Rooms.

Upcoming Capital Bond Proposal

For the past six months, the district’s administration and the Board of Education (BOE) have been evaluating critical needs for inclusion in a new capital bond. The proposal will address:

  • Educational Space Needs: Modernizing and expanding facilities at Farragut Middle and Hastings High Schools (FMS/HHS) to better align with programmatic goals.
  • Building Systems Upgrades: Ensuring infrastructure reliability and sustainability.
  • Athletic Field Enhancements: Addressing insufficient playing fields by exploring a balanced approach of grass and artificial turf surfaces to meet growing demand and reduce weather-related field unavailability.

The district is working closely with LAN Associates, the lead engineering and design firm for the bond process, in partnership with PBDW Architects, known for their role in past successful projects, to create a Master Plan for the Farragut Complex. Additionally, The LA Group is providing conceptual designs for upgrading the Burke Estate athletic fields, incorporating both artificial and natural playing surfaces. The Farragut Complex plan will prioritize maximizing space efficiency, exploring reorganization opportunities, and considering potential new additions. This thorough evaluation ensures the facility meets both immediate and long-term needs, aligning with the district’s evolving educational vision.

Timeline & Next Steps

  • Fall 2024: Board of Education review and approval of the final capital bond proposal.
  • May 2025: Community referendum on the proposed bond.

This thoughtful, phased approach ensures a well-researched, forward-looking plan that supports high-quality teaching and learning while meeting the needs of students, staff, and the broader Hastings community.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative!