Binghamton Voters OK MacArthur School Plan

Plans to rebuild the MacArthur Elementary School in the Binghamton City School District, which was destroyed in the 2011 flood, will move forward.

The close to $80 million construction proposal was easily approved by residents by about a 70% margin.  the district needed at 60% super-majority in order to proceed.

The plans call for the new building to be located on the same property as the old school, but closer to Vestal Avenue with the rear supported by pillars and elevated above the 500 year flood plain.

Most of the cost of the rebuild is being covered by money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as well as New York State and Federal grants.  District residents would have to cover $2.9 million of the costs.

District officials say they hope to have the new, environmentally friendly building ready for students in September, 2015.

Currently, the displaced students are attending classes at two former Catholic Schools in Broome County.