Multimillion-dollar school bond measures pass in Glen Cove, Wantagh
"In this district we have not had any significant capital projects in a bond in many, many years," said Glen Cove Superintendent Maria Rianna. Credit: Corey Sipkin
Voters in Glen Cove and Wantagh on Tuesday approved bonds for school capital improvement projects.
In Glen Cove, voters approved a bond of more than $30.5 million by a vote of 1,179 to 853. The average homeowner will pay about $12.50 per month for improvements that will include hardening campus security and upgrading the high school's athletic fields.
In Wantagh, voters approved one section of a three-part bond to fund upgrades at the high school's library and cafeteria, and other projects. They rejected a $16 million proposition for upgrades to athletic fields and creative spaces.
The two districts join Manhasset and North Bellmore, which are putting multimillion-dollar school bond proposals for capital improvements before voters Thursday.
The funding in Glen Cove will pay for new classroom and office hallway doors that meet state code and are equipped with automatic locking security door hardware throughout the district. Projects at Glen Cove High School include reconstruction of all student science rooms/labs, student cafeteria/kitchen and bathroom renovations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and other improvements, like a new synthetic turf athletic field and track, as well as new tennis courts and handball courts. School officials said renovated spaces would be open to the public when not in use by students.
"In this district we have not had any significant capital projects in a bond in many, many years," said Superintendent Maria Rianna. "Our buildings are very old and they are still in their original state. We have tried to pass bonds prior to the pandemic unsuccessfully but we have listened to the community and we have tailored down the list of priorities."
In Wantagh, the $69.5 million bond had been separated into three propositions. The first proposition passed by a vote of 1,303 to 827. It had to be passed before the other two could be approved by voters. That section includes $39 million for core infrastructure such as windows and unit ventilators. A second proposition, for $16 million in upgrades at sports and creative facilities, failed by a vote of 1,139 to 993. The third proposition, calling for $14 million to renovate school cafeterias and other improvements, passed by a vote of 1,156 to 976.
In Manhasset, voters are being asked to approve a nearly $44 million bond that includes more than $10 million for safety and security upgrades, such as further hardening classroom and corridor doors and adding interior locks. The bond would fund infrastructure upgrades and renovations at district schools to modernize learning spaces.
The total cost of the roughly 50 capital projects is $43.996 million, of which $70,000 will be paid by donations. Bonds will be issued in an amount not to exceed $43.926 million, school officials reported. If approved, the average homeowner would pay an additional $302 a year.
Voters go to the polls Thursday in Manhasset from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the secondary school gym.
North Bellmore residents will vote Thursday at Newbridge Road School on a more than $39 million bond referendum. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. If approved, it would provide for projects that include districtwide upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as electrical systems; Americans with Disabilities Act elevator installations at John G. Dinkelmeyer and Saw Mill Road elementary schools; and playground improvements at all six elementary schools.
Joie Tyrrell is a Long Island native and covers education for Newsday, where she has worked since 1998.
