Board approves proposed Clarksville lease
Will go before Albany County Legislature on June 11
The Board of Education at its June 6 meeting, approved the proposed agreement between the Bethlehem Central School District and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office for the lease of Clarksville Elementary School.
The proposed lease was discussed by the Albany County Legislature’s Public Safety committee on May 30 and is scheduled to be in front of the full legislature on June 11. The 5-year lease still maintains district control of the property to enable future use as a school, if needed.
“This is a wonderful example of municipal entities sharing resources for the benefit of the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Douglas. “We’re confident the Albany County Legislature will see that benefit and approve it next Monday.”
The proposed lease would benefit the district financially through an escalating payment of $30,000 ($2,500 per month) in year one to $54,000 ($4,500 per month) in year five, as well as an in-kind services agreement for end-of-school-year patrols, which cost the district about $29,000 annually.
The arrangement would yield $355,000 in financial resources to the district over a five year term, in the form of both revenues received and expenditures saved, according to Chief Business and Financial Officer Judith Kehoe.
The lease is non-cancelable until after the third year, when it could be canceled with 180 days advance notice to the county. The lease may be extended an additional five years, upon mutual agreement, and with terms consistent with the initial lease period.
In the agreement, all general operating costs are the responsibility of Albany County, with the district maintaining responsibility for the structural components of the building and of the major heating, energy management and septic systems. Both parties will maintain insurance coverage.
Any changes to the building require the consent of the District, and the agreement stipulates the building will be preserved in such a way the district may use it as a school building should the need arise. The Sheriff is required to return the building to the district upon the termination of the lease, in good condition.
The county, under the proposed lease, would be able to sublet one section of the building to the Town of New Scotland's Justice Court operations. Any other proposed subletting requires consent from the district.
“We look forward to being good partners and neighbors with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office,” said Board President Diane Giacone Stever. “The board feels this arrangement is respectful of both parties and, most importantly, the taxpayers and members of the Bethlehem Central School District community.”
The proposed lease can be found
here [PDF].