While most elections are held in the fall, and some occasionally in March, the Chatham school district is polling its electorate about a 2023 Capital Improvement Project proposal during a time when few people are thinking about voting. Polls are open on February 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the MED Elementary School gym. There are two propositions on the ballot in Chatham. "Prop #1 is a $18,218,595 proposal to shore up aging infrastructure, improve classroom and community spaces, and address safety, security, and health concerns. The proposed work would take place at Chatham High School, Chatham Middle School, Mary E. Dardess Elementary School, and the Bus Garage." The school district would apply $8,434,944 in capital reserves and issue bonds for taxpayers to pay for the remainder of the costs. "Prop #2 would authorize the District to install a building-wide air conditioning/HVAC system at Mary E. Dardess Elementary School at a cost not to exceed $3,879,600." Prop #2 is dependent on the passage of Prop #1, so if voters do not approve Prop #1, Prop #2 will not pass. If voters approve Prop #1 but do not approve Prop #2, only the work under Prop #1 would be completed. See the Chatham school district website for more information about the budget proposals that go before voters on Feb. 14.