The Massapequa School district announced the much anticipated foreign language initiative for elementary students at the March 17th boa
rd of education meeting. Starting next school year, the district will pilot a Spanish instructional program at each elementary building for third graders. There will be a Spanish teacher pushing into the classroom twice a week and the curriculum will be tied to third grade content area lessons. The program will be expanded to include the fourth grade in 2017-18 and fifth grade in 2018-19. Superintendent Lucille F. Iconis originally presented this initiative during the board’s goals meeting as part of her vision points back in September.
“This is an exciting enhancement to the elementary program and will strengthen the students skills in all areas of their education,” she said.
Deputy Superintendent Alan Adcock presented the revenue portion of the proposed 2016-17 budget which based on current state aid estimates will have a tax levy decrease of over $250,000. If the district receives additional state aid with the proposed end to the Gap Elimination Adjustment being discussed in Albany, there will be a further decrease in taxes of $1.3 million. The budget reflects no expenditure increases over the current year’s budget. All district programs and services remain intact and include enhancements to both elementary and secondary programs. There will be no money allocated in this proposed budget tied to the re-configuration of Berner Middle School.
The budget vote on May 17th will also include a referendum for the community to authorize the use of $3.3 million from the Capital Improvement Fund to repair and renovate the Berner Athletic Field. The project originally was part of an Inter-Municipal agreement between the district and the Town of Oyster Bay but was put on hold by town officials approximately a year ago. The field and track are in disrepair and district officials believe it could be a concern if not prioritized at this time. The project would include replacing the old cinder track with a synthetic rubberized track, installing a professional synthetic turf multi field for soccer, football and lacrosse games, all new bleachers, lighting, a comfort station with restrooms, concession stand and storage, a scoreboard and press box and PA system. The project would qualify for the 53.3 percent state building aid if approved by the community.
President Jane Ryan announced that at the next board meeting on April 7, the referendum and project details would be more extensively discussed.
