Ballot: What the referendum really means for NYM Public School

To the Editor,

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, New York Mills residents will vote on three referendum questions that would shape the future of our school district. Yet many people are surprised to learn exactly what each question includes. Before you cast your ballot, here are a few things you may not know about the proposed plan.

What is being asked?

You’ll see three questions on the Nov. 3 ballot. The first focuses on addressing our most pressing educational, operations, safety, accessibility, and maintenance needs. The second focuses on remodeling our high school media center to support students and staff, and improvements to our auditorium and bus garage. And the third question focuses on creating safer, more functional outdoor athletic facilities. Question 2 and question 3 are dependent on question 1 passing. If question 1 does not pass, then question 2 and question 3 would not be considered. If question 1 passes, question 2 or question 3 could pass as well.

What’s the history of the school building?

There have been many additions and changes to the school over the past 75 years. The main part of the elementary was built in 1953, with additions in 1966 and 1986. The Sports Center was built in 1974, with the high school being built in 1993, and finally the auditorium in 2000. Recently, a dehumidification and roofing project was done in 2018. The football field and the track were built under the leadership of Ralph Smith in the late 1930’s, with updates taking place in 1977. The last voter-approved referendum took place before the 2000 auditorium addition.

Question 1 invests in the spaces students use every day.

Many of our classrooms, Career and Technical Education spaces, Special Education areas, and activity spaces were designed for a different era of teaching and learning. Space has been an issue for the district for many years, with the district working hard to create unique spaces for our students, along with where to put some of our expanded opportunities. Question 1 would modernize these environments, improve safety and security, address deferred maintenance needs, and implement a capital project levy to fund technology, curriculum resources, buses, equipment, and furnishings.

Question 2 strengthens some of the most-used spaces in our district.

From our high school media center and auditorium to the bus garage, these facilities support learning, collaboration, performances, transportation, and daily operations. Question 2 would enhance these important spaces, helping ensure they continue to serve students, staff, and the broader community well into the future.

Question 3 would bring our track and football field home to campus.

The proposal would create a safer, more functional athletic complex on campus, featuring a new football field and competition track, along with relocated baseball and softball fields. Beyond athletics, the track would provide a valuable resource for physical education classes, student wellness activities, walking programs, and community use, creating a facility that serves residents of all ages.

Early voting is now open through Monday, Nov. 2, either in person or by mail. EaglesForward.org/vote has everything you need to know about voting, including Election Day polling locations.

Voting in school elections like ours is important. Visit EaglesForward.org to learn more. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and remain involved in the future of New York Mills Public School. If you have any questions, please reach out to the district office. Go Eagles!

Adam Johnson, 

Superintendent, New York Mills Public School