Voters in the Pine Bush Central School District defeated the $76.7 million Facilities Modernization Plan on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The official vote tally was 888 to 603. 

“Of course we are disappointed that this plan was not approved by voters,” said Superintendent Tim Mains. “We will look at the data we receive through our exit survey and meet to determine our next step.”

The plan presented would have addressed many issues at each of the seven school buildings that have been deferred in years past, including repairs and replacements of boilers, electrical components, air handling units, generators and roofs. In addition, there were paving projects and updates that would bring the district in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This part of the project accounted for $58.53 million of the bond.

New projects in this plan included secure vestibules at each building, the addition of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) labs, two synthetic turf fields, an eight-lane track and a fitness center at Pine Bush High School, and a new grass field and track at Circleville Middle School. New investments accounted for $18.17 million of the total bond.

The district would have received approximately $48.5 million in state aid for the project.

“I want to thank all of our residents who came out to vote, attended one of our public presentations or board of education meetings, went to our website to learn more about the project or simply emailed or called us for information,” said Mains. “We are gratified for your interest in our students and schools.”