A major boost to the ongoing effort to renovate Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School awaits New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. Faculty and staff from the school were joined by Superintendent Dr. Tonia Thompson Monday as they called on the Governor to sign a bill that would allow the Binghamton City School District to access twice the amount of their typical multi-year cost allowance in a five year period for capital projects. With this change to the State’s Building Aid formula, BCSD expects to be able to complete construction over a three-year period; without this increase in upfront funding, the renovation project is estimated to take 25 years.
“We need to bring Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School into the 21st century. This bill will allow the needed work to be completed for this generation of families as well as save taxpayers money," Dr. Tonia Thompson said. “Roosevelt has numerous facility issues that need to be addressed, including the abatement of asbestos used in the building's original construction. Without this legislation the district will have no other choice but to renovate using the current building aid formula and time frame, resulting in the need for an additional 20 million dollars over a 25-year period of time.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Lea Webb, both of whom represent BCSD in the New York State Legislature, passed the bill unanimously earlier this year. The legislation’s concept is not new - New York State’s Big Five school districts have always been able to access two times their multi-year cost allowance. If Governor Hochul signs this bill, the Binghamton City School District will be afforded the same access to critical building aid.
The need for renovations goes beyond just creating a 21st Century learning environment. In addition to educating 340 students, the school is a resource for residents throughout the north and east sides of Binghamton where many families have limited access to important services.
"The importance and impact of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School extends far beyond the amazing education they receive,” said Roosevelt parent Michael Cooper. “This school serves as a community hub for Binghamton's north side and provides numerous resources for students, such as its many free meal programs and the UHS health clinic that operates at the school. The funding the district will be able to access through this bill will help not just students, but their families as well."
Governor Hochul has until December 31, 2023 to sign the legislation. A petition urging the Governor to sign the bill is available by clicking here. Anyone who wants to voice their support for the efforts to renovate Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School are encouraged to sign the petition.