The timeline to renovate Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School will officially be expedited following the passage of the 2024-25 New York State Budget. The enacted budget includes language that will 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-to-five year period; without this increase in upfront funding, the renovation project is estimated to take 25 years.
“This is a huge win for students and staff at Theodore Roosevelt, the residents of Binghamton’s North Side, and the entire BCSD community,” said Dr. Tonia Thompson. “This funding will allow us to complete much-needed renovations to the school as quickly as possible, saving taxpayers money in the process. Theodore Roosevelt is a tremendous asset to this part of our community and bringing it into the 21st Century will ensure it continues to serve future generations of Binghamton families. Thank you Assemblywoman Lupardo & Senator Webb for their hard work to secure this critical funding.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator Lea Webb, both of whom represent BCSD in the New York State Legislature, passed legislation last year that would allow for the District to access additional funds, but it was vetoed in December by the Governor. The bill’s veto message indicated that the Governor’s Office was committed to working on this issue during the State Budget process. The final budget that was passed on April 20th included the necessary language to allow BCSD to access more funding up front.
"The Board of Education is very thankful for Assemblywoman Lupardo & Senator Webb’s work in this endeavor and grateful that the Governor sees the value in our project,” said Steve Seepersaud, President of the BCSD Board of Education. “An improved Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School will be a tremendous benefit for our kids, and it is a significant and much-needed investment in the North Side. Being able to access these funds will enable us to preserve the quality of our neighborhood schools across the district."
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.