Carmel board approves safety-and-security bond to appear on May ballot

The Carmel Central School District Board of Education voted March 26 to approve a resolution sending a revised safety-and-security capital project to the May ballot.

Trustees described the latest proposal as narrowed from prior drafts and focused strictly on security needs: districtwide cameras, interior and exterior door locks, intruder-resistant film on accessible ground-level windows and doors, a VoIP lockdown system, a visitor-management system and additional AED purchases. The administration and outside safety consultants told the board law enforcement partners supported the revised scope.

Trustee Curzio recounted the committee process going back to fall 2023 and said a $15 million Schedule A option had been proposed earlier; the board ultimately advanced a tighter project totaling $11,800,280 that trustees said removes unrelated items previously included. Several trustees said they supported separating athletic and transportation projects from the safety vote so voters can consider distinct referendums in the future.

The board approved the resolution by roll call. Recorded votes on the bond resolution included Vice President Krakow: Yes; President Dahl: Yes; Trustee Curzio: Aye; Trustee Douglas: Yes; Trustee Orser: Yes; Trustee Wise: Aye. Trustee Paraskeva was absent. The resolution moves the capital project onto the May ballot for voter consideration.

What's next: If voters approve the bond, the district will proceed with design and procurement for the security upgrades; trustees noted the borrowing plan was timed to replace expiring debt to minimize tax impact. If approved as an emergency action (different measure handled earlier in the meeting), state aid timing and SED review can affect reimbursement schedules.