Q & A

1. Why did the Board choose this time to present a comprehensive plan?
       The "newest" building, aside from the new Rome Free Academy, was built in 1968. Although additions have been built until ten years ago, the original buildings and their systems are more than 40 years old. The State has made $4.2 million in excel aid available for all projects approved after April, 2006. Our aid reimbursement is now at the highest level it has ever been.


2. How did the Board reach the conclusion that a school needed to be closed?
       The Board contracted with Proximity Associates to conduct a capacity study of all schools K-8. Using local criteria we were found to be 17.8% under capacity in our K-4 buildings. It was determined that closing one K-4 building would bring us within the 10% recognized as being within a reasonable capacity.
3. Why is the recommendation being made to build a new Fort Stanwix at the former Rome Free Academy site?
       Both the current Fort Stanwix and the former Rome Free Academy would need considerable renovation. The effect on local taxes would be about the same for either. Only seven of the current twenty-three classrooms at the current Fort Stanwix are at or above the minimum recommended size. Renovating the former Rome Free Academy would provide more classroom space for about the same amount of local dollars.


4. Why did the Board choose Clough Elementary School to be closed?
       The Proximity study provided the Board with the visual software package showing the location of every student in the district. Most students live in the areas of Fort Stanwix, Gansevoort and Denti. Clough, Bellamy, Ridge and Joy were examined in greater detail for possible closing. Clough and Bellamy have the fewest students from the immediate neighborhood. Clough, however, has more square footage and would accommodate both the board offices and the Rome Tutorial Center.


5. Why not just fix all of the buildings and leave them open?
       We could. The local cost would increase by at least 50%. We can take advantage of building aid if we refurbish needed space. The State will not reimburse space that it deems is not needed.


6. How were the cost estimates done?
       The architectual firm, MARCH Associates, Architects & Planners, PLLC, provided the cost estimates. Using the most recent cost figures, including Stokes Elementary School, the architects and engineers used a cost per square foot estimate. Each building estimate was then adjusted for unique factors such as the need for an elevator or structural support for a roof. Finally, a percentage was added for the cost of inflation.


7. What happens if the cost estimates are too low?
       The Board will not borrow more money than the voters authorize. It will stay within the budgeted amount.


8. What exactly will be done to the schools?
       Each building will be brought up to the standard established by the Stokes Elementary School. This would include new roofs where needed and structural reinforcement for roofs where necessary. Bathrooms will be redone to comply with code and handicapped accessibility. Asbestos floor tiles will be replaced.
       Fire alarms will be upgraded. Schools that need new boilers will have them replaced. All schools will have technological upgrades. Electrical systems will be upgraded. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning will be replaced and installed.
       Elevators will be installed in required buildings. All buildings will be handicapped accessible. Food service equipment will be replaced. Lockers will be installed where necessary. The outside of buildings (sidewalks, parking lots, entrances etc.) will be upgraded. In summary, all buildings' systems and building envelopes will be redone.


9. The voters already approved the demolition of the former RFA. How can the Board attempt to reuse it.
       The voters gave permission for the Board to demolish the former RFA. Over 59% of those who voted voted "yes" to the proposition. Whenever a district-owned building is considered for sale or demolition, the voters must give their approval.
       Subsequent to the vote, a petition signed by over 2,000 citizens requested the Board to consider reuse of the former Rome Free Academy. The Board studied the viability of such an option. It would not, however, reuse the building at the expense of other buildings within the district.
       The Board concluded that building a new Fort Stanwix at the former RFA site is a better solution for the Fort Stanwix neighborhood than refurbishing the current Fort Stanwix. In the meantime, the school board's attorney concluded that the Board has the authority to reuse the building if the public votes to fund it.


10. The former Rome Free Academy was said to be in no condition to be remodeled. How can it be considered now?
        It was deemed to be in no condition for a 1,200 student high school. That remains true today.
        The space requirements for high school spaces (science labs, gymnasium, library, auditiorium etc.) are much greater than for an elementary school. The location, acreage and comparative cost for renovating the current Fort Stanwix make the reuse of the former RFA site for an elementary school a more viable option. The new Fort Stanwix would house fewer than half the students the former Rome Free Academy had enrolled.


11. Why not move the district offices and pre-K to the former RFA site, close Fort Stanwix, leave Clough open and redistrict?
        Fort Stanwix student population, along with Gansevoort and Denti are the most densely populated neighborhoods. It is the only school in the center of the city and one of the few real neighborhood schools. Moving the Board offices and pre school to the former RFA and closing the current Fort Stanwix is actually a more costly option for the local taxpayers. The project would be somehwhat less, but the local share would be over $500,000 more.


12. When would the work start?
        The soonest the new Fort Stanwix would be ready would be the 2010-2011 school year. In the meantime, the Board would examine those buildings in the worst condition and begin refurishing work immediatley.

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This Page was last update: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 2:25:35 PM
This page was originally posted: 2/1/07; 1:59:51 PM.
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