Afton Primary School students build their own schools out of straw in anticipation of the school’s Capital Project. (Submitted Photo)

AFTON - The Afton Central School District will propose a $19.2 million capital building project referendum for residents. The vote will take place on June 9 at the same time as the school’s budget vote.

The majority of the project, 81.8 percent, will be paid for by state aid and the other 18.2 percent will be paid for by school funds. This means there will be no impact on taxpayers if the project is approved.

Afton Central School District Superintendent Timothy McNamara said, "This project will allow us to improve the school’s safety and allow us to better follow guidelines for when schools reopen."

The first proposition is to renovate the main entrance of the miidle-high school building. This will include relocating the existing HS/MS Principal and guidance offices from the upper level of the school to the front entrance to create a secure entry into the building. A new entry vestibule will be added for an enhanced secure entry into the building.

"Before parents had to walk through the school to pick up their children, with the new vestibule we will be able to do parent pick up right in that front entrance. This will be much safer," said McNamara.