Pine Plains school capital project goes to vote Oct. 15

PINE PLAINS —Voters in Pine Plains will decide on a $12 million school district capital project at the Stissing Mountain High School cafeteria on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Voting booths will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the school located at 2829 Church St. in Pine Plains.

The capital project includes proposed restoration and upgrades to the high school’s athletic facilities and courtyard, and health and safety improvements to the high school and Seymour Smith Intermediate Learning Center, Pine Plains Central School District Superintendent Brian Timm said.

A newsletter posted to the school district’s website details the capital project.

School district officials propose to fund the upgrades through a combination of banked money from the capital reserve fund and bonding, resulting in no impact on taxes.

If the vote passes, the roofs and elevators in Stissing Mountain High School will be replaced. Stissing Mountain will also get a new concessions stand with restrooms, a resurfaced running track, new tennis courts and a new gym floor.

“Just like in a house, every 20 to 25 years you need to address the roofing,” Timm said. “And that’s just about where we’re at.”

The courtyard will get a face-lift too, with preliminary drawings featuring shade awnings, furniture and outdoor lighting.

Timm said the goal is to open up the courtyard to the community, providing a space for students and neighbors to congregate during and after events that is inviting and comfortable.

The Intermediate Learning Center will receive masonry restoration to portions of its aging brick facade and the accessible entrances.

Timm said the project started out with a longer list of proposed upgrades that were narrowed down to three essential areas. “Overall I’m happy with the project as a whole,” Timm said.

“I ask that voters support the project,” Timm said. “It’ll provide a great benefit to our students and to our community.”

Questions or comments on the capital project ahead of the vote can be directed to Pine Plains Central School District Superintendent Brian Timm,by calling 518-398-7181 and dialing extension 1401 or emailing Patricia Audenino at p.audenino@ppcsd.org.