Connetquot voters approve $9M school bond measure

Connetquot residents voted Tuesday night to approve a $9 million bond referendum that district officials say is needed to pay for a host of capital improvements and a new fleet of school buses.

Voting took place at three sites in the district: Ronkonkoma Middle School, Connetquot High School and Bohemia Middle School. Polls were open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The bond passed by a better than 2-to-1 margin. There were 535 votes cast in favor and 223 against the measure, officials said.

The $9.4 million bond will be combined with an existing $7.3 million to fund the projects, reducing the need to borrow more, officials said.

State aid for the projects and recent savings from refinancing will offset the debt service on the bond and result in no property tax increase, officials said.

The bond aims to improve heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and upgrade technology, communication and security systems. Slated for repair or replacement are: ceilings and doors; drainage, sanitary and lavatory facilities; masonry, lighting, paving, sidewalks and tennis courts.

The new buses are estimated to cost about $1.8 million and the capital improvements $14.9 million, officials said.