FALLSBURG — A proposed $56.55 million capital project that will modernize facilities throughout the Fallsburg Central School District will move forward after voters approved both propositions on the February 3 ballot. According to Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz, the project will come at no additional cost to local taxpayers.

Proposition #1 passed with 95 votes in favor and 17 against. Proposition #2 passed with 92 yes votes and 19 no.

“As Superintendent of Schools, I’m exceptionally excited about the outcome of the vote and I could not be prouder of our school community for the role they played in making this outcome a success,” said Katz. “The conversations that I’ve had with many members of the school community over the past few months showcased for me how much our school community cares about the future of the Fallsburg Central School District. I am both grateful and humbled by the outcome of this capital project vote.”

Proposition #1 covers a wide range of facility upgrades across the district. Those include repairs to aging infrastructure, replacement of deteriorated parking lots, the installation of air conditioning in every school building, improved safety systems, and updates to learning spaces.

Proposition #2 gives the district permission to purchase a parcel of land next to Benjamin Cosor Elementary School. The property will be used to expand the school’s only entrance and exit, a move district officials say is essential for improving safety and emergency vehicle access.

Dr. Katz said the funding structure for both propositions ensures that local school taxes will not increase. The project will be paid for through a combination of New York State building aid, capital reserve funds the district has saved over time, and expiring debt from previous projects.

The plan was developed after the district completed its most recent state-mandated Building Conditions Survey in 2023. The survey, required every five years, identified serious needs across school properties, from safety concerns to mechanical systems that are past their prime.

At the top of that list were the parking lots at both the Junior-Senior High School and Benjamin Cosor Elementary. Full of cracks and potholes, they’ve been patched repeatedly over the years, but Katz said those temporary fixes are no longer enough. The project will allow the district to rebuild and widen those lots, improving traffic flow and adding capacity during events.

The proposal also includes a major overhaul of the district’s HVAC systems. Every building will be outfitted with air conditioning for the first time. This is not just about comfort, officials said, but about compliance with state guidelines around extreme heat. The upgrades will also address uneven heating during the winter months.

In addition, the project includes card-swipe access for classroom doors, the replacement of aging fuel tanks, new trash compactors, masonry repairs, and enhancements to school libraries and learning spaces. A covered walkway will also be added near the elementary school’s modular classrooms to protect students from inclement weather.

The cost breakdown includes $40.5 million in New York State building aid, $10.85 million from the district’s capital reserve fund, and $5.2 million in retiring debt that can now be redirected to this project. Katz emphasized that these kinds of capital improvements are entirely separate from the district’s regular operating budget.

The second proposition, related to the land purchase near the elementary school, will also be funded through reserve money. That purchase is meant to expand the current narrow access point to the school, which the district has long considered a safety concern, especially for emergency responders.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2027 and will span at least two summers. Much of the early work will take place inside school buildings, while the parking lot work will be among the most visible improvements.

Dr. Katz added, “We will now be able to move forward with necessary repairs, replacements and renovations to improve our school district facilities for many years to come. Your voice matters.”