BERNE — On Monday, Berne-Knox-Westerlo voters heartily approved a $5.142 million project to reroof both the elementary and secondary schools.

The capital project was approved with 77 percent of the vote: 295 to 87, according to figures released by the district.

State aid is to cover 79.2 percent of the cost, meaning property owners will pay about $9.08 per year per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Homeowners with the STAR (School TAx Relief) exemption will pay about $6.00 and residents 65 and older with the Enhanced STAR exemption will pay about $2.66 per $100,000 of assessed value.

The lifespan of the current rubber roof is 15 years and most of the roof is over 20 years old, Superintendent Bonnie Kane told The Enterprise earlier. The roof, which had been leaking, will be replaced with a synthetic rubber roof system, Kane said, which is resistant to both moisture and sun exposure.  

“Modern advancements in roofing technology now allow for the installation of materials backed by a 30 year full warranty,” she said. “This long-term solution not only safeguards the district against future repair costs but also ensures minimal disruption to educational operations, providing a secure and energy-efficient roof infrastructure that will serve students and staff through 2056.”

Work is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026 with completion expected that September.

“We appreciate our community for supporting this capital project and the impact it will have on generations of students moving forward,” Kane said in a statement this week. “Our community continues to support the work being done to enhance our campus, and allows us to protect our learning resources for the future. We thank them for their continued support.”