AUBURN - As the Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education Long Range Planning Committee deliberates on a new capital project proposal, its chairman assured the public the board will use its money wisely.

“We're going to do the best thing possible to save as much money as possible,” Sam Giangreco said before the full board during the regular meeting Tuesday.

Giangreco, also board vice president, said much of the renovations in question - estimated to cost roughly $17 million - deal with health, safety and welfare issues that must be addressed. He said the board will do what is in the best interest of children while keeping taxpayers in mind.

“This is something we're going to look at very, very directly to make sure we're making the right decision,” he said.

But board member Joe Leogrande, the committee's newest member, wanted to know how the board would voice that to the public.

Giangreco said future press coverage is key in informing the public.

Board members David Lansford and Ginny Kent asked if a public hearing could be scheduled prior to a vote to seek input and Leogrande asked if mailers could be used.

Superintendent J.D. Pabis said all of those things could be done - and the public can attend any committee or board meetings - but first the committee has to decide on a capital project proposal and make a recommendation to the full board.

During a committee meeting last week, members said they desired a recommendation by mid-September with a public vote slated for late October or early November.

This project, the first since May 2008, which was a nearly $15.7 million capital project - scheduled for a June 2008 vote - was delayed after voters first defeated the proposed 2008-09 budget. After, the committee began focusing on what improvements and upgrades are necessary for day-to-day operations.

A long list was whittled down to items such as exterior windows and doors, air ventilators and hot-water tanks. Nearly all upgrades deal with infrastructure, energy efficiency and technology, with some facility improvements to Holland Stadium. Synthetic turf is not included in the project.

Leogrande complained at the last meeting, as he did on Tuesday, that some of the items in this project are “frivolous.” He pointed to a new scoreboard at Holland as one such expense.

Giangreco said Leogrande has to be aware of all the issues the district faces, so the two will tour the buildings Thursday.

In other news:

* A dozen Auburn High School students officially graduated. Principal Brian Morgan, along with board President Charlie Cator, presented diplomas.

* The Long Range Planning Committee is meeting at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Tubman Administration Building, 78 Thornton Ave., Auburn, to meet with financial advisor Bernie Donegan. They will discuss how the proposed capital project will affect taxpayers.

* The next board meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the high school library, 250 Lake Ave., Auburn.

Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net