Binghamton City School District held a public hearing on Tuesday, December 3rd for its 2024 capital project for revitalizing Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School on Binghamton's north side. 

The project would bring renovated classroom wings, upgraded security, and new windows and doors. However, the total project cost for the project can't exceed 56 million dollars. 

The district would utilize 32 million dollars in the issuance of bonds and 24 million dollars of its capital reserve funds to support the project. With the State Building Act reimbursing 96.6% of the 32 million and the district having its maximum cost allowance doubled from $13 million to $26 million through approved legislation in the 2024 state budget, the project would be tax-neutral for the Binghamton community.

Theodore Roosevelt Elementary has been in need of renovations for several years. Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Principal David Chilson says changes are needed for the future of the school.

"This could be, you know, life-changing for so many kids and families on the north side of Binghamton," Chilson said. "You know, have a state-of-the-art facility with the space we need, they can provide interventions and social work support and instructional challenges and so many things that we're lacking right now that our current building is really we've maxed out. And this new building could provide so many cool opportunities for people."

Those a part of the Binghamton City School District can vote on this project on Tuesday, December 10th at all district polling locations.