A bond referendum, totaling $32,165,551 that will be used to pay for 111 facilities improvement projects across the district, has been approved by residents of the Bethlehem Central School District by a vote of 1,154 (65%) to 621 (35%).

Among the projects included in the proposal are building renovations, structural improvements, paving and drainage work at sites throughout the district, asbestos abatement, electrical and plumbing work and security upgrades. The cornerstone of the project is a $7.8 million renovation of the existing high school auditorium.

“The Board of Education is grateful to the community for its continuing support of the school district,” said Bethlehem School Board President Matt Downey. “We are fortunate to have active, involved residents who recognize their schools are the heart of their community and who help us meet our goal of delivering knowledge, character and value to students and families.”

Work on the Bethlehem Central capital improvements is expected to begin as early as summer 2018 and is projected to be completed by November 2020. 

The bond project was developed over several months during Board of Education meetings and community forums.