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An Open Letter to the
Ballston Spa School District Community:
School Building Project
Update
The Board of Education has
been examining the needs of the school buildings
throughout the district during the past four years. They
have carefully proceeded to develop specific plans to
bring before the community for approval. Upon my arrival
last summer, I was asked to assist with the final
proposal to address the overcrowding and facility needs
at the middle/high school complex. We developed a
proposal that was designed to provide the needs of the
academic program and prepare the building for the next
50 years. The voters did not approve the initial project
so I now anticipate working with the Board of Education
to determine the next steps, prioritize the needs and
develop a new facility plan.
On behalf of the Board of
Education, I would like to express appreciation to all
of those who participated in the project proposal and
the public referendum. Many people were involved in the
early stages of the planning process, attended over 60
events to learn more about the project, and many made it
to the polls on an icy day. We sincerely appreciate
everyone’s commitment to the school district and
providing the input we need to help determine the best
plan of action to address our students' academic needs.
Rest assured, we will
continue to address the program needs of the students
and school building infrastructures as we prepare for
the future. Issues also need to be addressed at the
Malta Avenue Elementary School, as well as the Wood Road
complex, as buildings continue to age and the numbers of
students and academic needs continue to grow. Additional
land for future building projects will continue to be
pursued and addressing the needs of the athletic
facilities to support the school programs will not be
ignored. The district also continues to anticipate the
impact of the construction of the $4.6 billion computer
chip factory in Malta and all the related building that
is planned in the district, both commercial and
residential.
I look forward to the
continued involvement of our community as we work
together to plan for the future of the district.
Please contact me for additional information, with
suggestions or concerns at
jdragone@bscsd.org or call the District Office at
884-7195 ext. 310.
Best wishes for a safe and
prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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