Lindenhurst schools propose spending $8.8 million in bonds for needed improvements

The Lindenhurst board of education has approved a bond referendum to pay for what the district says are much-needed building renovations.

The board voted unanimously Wednesday night to bond for $8.8 million, a significant drop from the $25 million proposal made by the district last month. That money was to be used for improvement projects at all of the district's schools, including two buildings not used for regular classes.

After residents spoke out against the proposal -- and with a recommendation for a lower amount from Jacqueline Scrio, the district's assistant superintendent for business and noninstructional personnel -- the district came back with the $8.8 million proposal.

The money would be used on the high school, middle school and Harding Avenue elementary school. The district plans to replace the roofs on all three buildings, citing expired warranties and continuing problems with leaks. The total cost would be about $8 million. Also being replaced, at a cost of $650,000, would be a leaking window wall at the middle school, which district officials said has resulted in damaged ceiling tiles as well as classroom materials. The third project that would be undertaken is reconstruction of the middle school clock tower, which the district said is rotting and requires $185,000 in work.

"We felt these were critical," Superintendent Daniel Giordano said at the meeting. He later noted in a statement that officials "want to be sure that when our students come to school they are safe, secure and comfortable."

According to the district, the state will provide aid to fund 69.3 percent of the project over the life of the bond. The district estimates that for homes assessed at an average of $3,287, the project's annual cost to residents will be $26.76.

A handful of residents at Wednesday's meeting thanked the board for the reduction in bonding, which must be approved by public vote at a special referendum. The referendum will cost the district $20,000 to $22,000, Scrio said.

Voting is Dec. 2 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the district's five polling places.