Summer Work Focuses On Security And Upgrades

The Massapequa School District is forging ahead with several upgrades to its buildings and grounds this summer, and at the forefront are new security vestibules that are being constructed at each of the nine schools.

The work is being completed through the facilities bond and Capital Reserve Fund, which were both approved by voters in 2014.

The security vestibules, which will be completed in time for the start of the 2016-17 school year, will enhance safety for students and staff. A second set of locked doors has been added at the main entrance for each school, and visitors must present their identification to the greeter through a small slot before being allowed into a building.

“We take safety very seriously here in Massapequa,” said Superintendent Lucille Iconis. “These new security vestibules will enhance our secure learning environments. We thank the community for approving these necessary upgrades.”

Deputy Superintendent Alan Adcock said that because of the varying designs of the nine schools, the security vestibules have been customized for each building. At the high school’s main campus, the old ticket booth was converted into the greeter’s station. A second set of doors was also added to secure the building from the central administrative offices.

With McKenna Elementary School housing the senior center, teacher learning center, special education office and textbook office, a new entrance was added to the back of the building to serve this area and keep those visitors separate from the rest of the school.
Several other projects are also being completed this summer, including renovating the girls’ locker room at the high school’s main campus, installing new lockers and painting the walls, floors and ceilings, reflecting the Chiefs’ navy blue and gold color scheme.

The Senior Center at McKenna, which is open on Mondays and Wednesdays during the school year, is being given a fresh look with new paint, floors, ceiling and kitchen. At Berner Middle School, the parking lot has been resealed, lines repainted and new curbing installed.

Upcoming projects through the bond issue and capital fund will include athletic field upgrades; renovations to the libraries at the high school, Ames Campus and Berner and new windows at Fairfield Elementary School.