Glen Cove, Baldwin postpone votes on multimillion-dollar bond proposals

The Baldwin school district on Tuesday postponed voting on a $158 million bond issue that had been scheduled for Wednesday, and that had been intended to expand space for science and technology instruction, performing arts, sports and other programs throughout the district.

“Due to the current situation, we need to postpone the vote,” said a notice posted on the district’s website, in apparent reference to statewide school closings prompted by the coronavirus crisis. The notice added that more information would be provided at a later date.

Glen Cove, meanwhile, moved back the date of voting on a $45.9 million bond proposition, originally set for Thursday. Instead the measure is to appear on a ballot May 19, the same date scheduled for budget voting.

If approved, Glen Cove’s bond borrowing would pay for a variety of upgrades in local schools, three of which are more than 100 years old, according to the district. Planned improvements are in such areas as security and equipment, including two elevators to help students and adults with disabilities.

“The work is very much needed and we regret the postponement,” said Maria Rianna, Glen Cove’s superintendent.

In the Plainview-Old Bethpage district, officials announced Tuesday that Mary O’Meara, an educator and school administrator with more than 20 years’ experience, will be promoted to superintendent at the start of the next school year July 1.

O’Meara is currently the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, where much of her work in recent days has revolved around plans for maintaining academic continuity while schools are closed and students pursue their lessons at home.

All schools in New York State have been shut down until April 1, as part of efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.

As schools chief, O’Meara will succeed Lorna Lewis, who is joining the Malverne system as superintendent on Aug. 1. Lewis, the immediate past president of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, is widely known as a curriculum expert herself.

Debbie Bernstein, president of Plainview-Old Bethpage’s school board, said that O’Meara’s sense of commitment would “build and expand upon the wonderful foundation established by Dr. Lewis.

Lewis’ current annual salary as superintendent is $307,064 and O’Meara’s as assistant superintendent is $197,750, according to state records. As superintendent, O’Meara will be paid $250,000 a year, the district said Wednesday.

By John Hildebrand

john.hildebrand@newsday.com@johnhnewsday

John Hildebrand is Newsday's senior education writer and has covered school news and policy issues affecting Long Island for more than 40 years.