Each of the five high schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District will receive electronic signs after a group of Nassau County legislators approved a grant through the county’s Community Revitalization Program. The program, which is giving $250,000 toward the signs, provides infrastructure funding for streetscape, parks and other improvements through the county’s capital fund program.
The signs were originally part of the failed school bond last December. A scaled-back $86.6 million plan was approved in May, without signs.
“To save some of the costs from the bond, one of the items we had removed was electronic signs,” Board President Dave Fowler said. “We have approval for the funds now.”
Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, along with legislators Rich Nicolello, Vincent Muscarella and Laura Schaefer, secured three grants of $75,000 and one grant of $25,000, respectively.
“I’m a graduate of this school district,” Solages said. “For me, once I was elected, I wanted to make sure I could give back to my school district. [The other legislators] represent areas of this school district and we all came together.”
The signs are included in a project that will see technology infrastructure and security upgrades at all five schools, as well as new roofs. New Hyde Park Memorial High School will receive $10.8 million for its revamp, including new science and music rooms, renovated parking lot, a revamped auditorium and door replacements. New wrestling and fitness rooms, guidance offices and a roof are also planned.
“I hope these signs beautify our area and our schools,” Solages said. “In these tough economic times when we have a 2 percent cap, anything we can save from that cap will truly benefit the taxpayers in our community.”
“I thank the legislators for doing this for our district,” District Superintendent Dr. Ralph Ferrie said. “These signs will go a long way in keeping our community and parents informed.”
Sewanhaka High School is slated for $28 million in renovations, including a new cafeteria, gymnasium, art rooms and a restored auditorium. It could also receive new locker rooms and a relocated and renovated library.
Floral Park Memorial High School will gain $18.4 million in upgrades and renovations. The school would gain an expanded auditorium and music rooms, new heating and ventilation systems, and masonry restorations.
Elmont Memorial High School’s $14.7 million renovation includes a new full-size gym, renovated art rooms, tennis courts, and windows. Other updates include new masonry and parking and driveway areas.
H. Frank Carey High School ($12.6 million) needs upgrades to its auditorium, lockers, doors and exit lights. Additional work includes a refinished gym floor, fitness rooms, tennis courts and weight rooms.
The district will also install one synthetic turf field at each high school. Field maintenance and upgrades are near completion at the Alva T. Stanforth athletic fields ($1.54 million).
