Is a bond vote necessary for the Herricks School District to make upgrades and improvements to its schools?
The Herricks School District has been exploring the need for a bond referendum for district-wide facilities upgrades and improvements.
A potential referendum will be the subject of a public meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Herricks High School cafeteria, 100 Shelter Rock Rd. in New Hyde Park.
The meeting will discuss the referendum possibility at length and obtain input from school district residents.
The project under consideration, district officials said, includes upgrades at all of the district’s buildings, including the Community Center and Shelter Rock Academy and was designed to address health and safety improvements, other improvements and upgrades. It also focuses on modernization at the high school to provide for a “21st century learning environment,” as most of the building’s current infrastructure dates back to the 1950s, district officials added.
Among the items at Herricks High School that the district has identified as being in need of improvements are an outdated science lab, the cafeteria, the field, storage sheds, bleachers and the fitness center. On a district-wide level, the proposed referendum seeks to improve a selection of bathrooms, interior and exterior doors, windows and asphalt in specified locations. It also includes other infrastructure components such as ventilation systems and masonry.
This bond proposal, if approved by community members in an anticipated December vote, would have no tax impact to residents, district officials stressed. The new debt associated with the project would essentially replace expiring debt, as a significant portion of the district’s current bond debt expires in the 2021-22 school year, district officials added.
“Homeowners in our community know that houses need repairs over time, and school buildings are no different,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano. “It is time to address our aging facilities and take a look at ways to better support modern learning as well as health and safety. We hope to see many of our residents on Sept. 27 and hear their thoughts and feedback.”
The district has also launched a Facebook page to provide updates on the potential bond referendum. This will serve as another avenue through which the community can stay apprised and receive the latest announcements. Like the page “Herricks Public Schools Bond Referendum” in order to see reminders, facts and other details associated with this project.
