In an effort to provide the best possible education, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District is busy inspecting its facilities in order to decide where improvements are needed the most.
The school district’s Facilities Upgrades and Improvements Advisory Committee and the Board of Education took tours of each District school building to inspect and assess the improvements suggested for each building by the District’s architectural firm, BBS Architecture.
The tours — which took place on Saturday, Aug. 23 — were led by Roger Smith of BBS Architecture. The walk-throughs were part of the committee’s preparations to formally present an initial report to the Board of Education on Monday, Aug. 25.
“The building tours were essential in deciding which projects should be included in the recommended scope of work to best preserve our infrastructure and support the success of our students,” said Plainview-Old Bethpage Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis. “It is important for committee members to be well informed about each project and provide input that will help ensure the long-term integrity of our facilities and the excellence of the academic program we offer students in our District.”
During the tour, committee members reviewed potential projects, including windows, classroom interiors, science rooms, energy efficiency and security projects to name a few. Committee members then developed a report for the Board of Education detailing what had been reviewed to date by the committee and next steps to move forward in this process. This included: quantifying and prioritizing building infrastructure and site needs; potential costs and financial impacts; timing and scheduling; and identifying and recommending a scope of work to the Board of Education.
Committee members will present a second report to the Board of Education on Sept. 8. The Board of Education will hold a public forum on Saturday, Sept. 13. For more information regarding the proposed capital improvements and the upcoming bond vote, visit www.pobschools.org.
