A Voter Guide to the Bond Referendum
the
islander
Official Publication of the Island Park Board of Education
Island Park Schools • Bond 2017
A Voter Guide to the Bond Referendum
Don’t we budget for these improvements? Capital improvements of this scale cannot be included in the operating budget without impacting the tax levy in a significant way. Using a bond spreads out the cost over a longer period of time and mitigates the annual tax impact. How will it impact me? The additional Public S with the first cost impact ark associated c assessed home P proposition for an average in the district is approximately $31 per year. The cost impact for the second proposition on the average assessed home would be approximately $86 per year. For all detailed information, please see page 4.
ols ho
What is the intended outcome? The facility projects will help preserve the basic integrity of our school buildings, address long overdue repairs and create modern instructional spaces for students. Projects include the conversion of Lincoln Orens Middle School’s industrial arts/technical education classroom into a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) lab, and renovations to three middle school science labs. In addition, the art rooms at both schools will be fully renovated.
Hegarty classrooms will be refitted with new cabinets and closets. A second proposition calls for the addition of air conditioning in all classrooms and gyms. For the complete list of improvements proposed, please see page 3.
Isla nd
What is the challenge? Building systems and resources have a natural life span. Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School was built in 1927 and Lincoln Orens Middle School was constructed in 1962. Much of the infrastructure in both buildings is original to the construction of the schools and has well exceeded its usefulness. The combination of wear and tear has prompted the district to identify areas for attention that will result in positive changes to instructional environments for students.
BOND 2017 What do I need to do to vote? Look for all voter information on page 4 of this newsletter.
Save the Dates Jan. 9, 2017 Community Forum on Bond Referendum @ Conference Center, 7:30 PM Jan. 10, 2017 Building Tour @ Hegarty: Community Residents, 6:00 PM Parents, 7:00 PM Jan. 12, 2017 Building Tour @ Lincoln Orens: Community Residents, 6:00 PM Parents, 7:00 PM Jan. 24, 2017 VOTE Polls Open 7:00 AM-9:00 PM @ Lincoln Orens Auditorium Foyer, 150 Trafalgar Blvd., Island Park
ISLAND PARK Public Schools
BOND 2017
Proposition Preserving Building Integrity and Expanding Learning Opportunities for Students #1:
Aging science classrooms would be renovated to accommodate 21st-century research group/team work and Regents preparation that the district plans to coordinate with the high schools’ science research programs.
Cabinets and closets in most classrooms at the elementary school have been in place for over 70 years. They would be replaced with safer, more efficient cabinets and cubbies that would help students develop independence.
Proposition #2: Air Conditioning
2
Current science labs are original to the building’s construction and are showing signs of deterioration.
Art classroom space is currently very limited. The bond would provide purposefully designed work and storage spaces with integrated technology.
Voters will have the opportunity to vote on a second proposition on Jan. 24 for the addition of air conditioning in all classrooms and gymnasiums that will help to improve temperature control and airflow. Air conditioning is being considered for reasons beyond comfort. It addresses allergies and other health conditions among students whose needs the district is required to meet. The district has already had to install
Roofs are 20 years old, leaking and no longer under warranty. The bond includes roof replacements, the majority of which would be covered by Capital Reserve Fund money.
This is the district’s Industrial Arts room. A new, modern 21st-Century STEAM lab would feature workshops, a dust collection system and technology and instructional areas to better prepare students for college and future jobs.
air conditioning in several classrooms on as-needed, case-by-case basis, and the cost of continuing to do this will likely be greater in the long run. Additionally, the buildings are used in July and August for academic summer school, English language and special education programs. The district’s Recreation Department also runs a Summer Experience Camp that utilizes gym and classroom space during the
Improvements at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School • Replace existing roofing. • Replace cabinets and closets in most classrooms. • Replace all classroom doors and hardware. • Install new acoustical ceiling and energy efficient lighting in gymnasium. • Renovate art classroom. • Repair mechanical masonry and plumbing systems.
• I nstall new PA/sound system with teacher ability to call office and 911. • Install a generator for backup electricity to maintain phone and PA systems, lighting, refrigeration for nurse’s office and cafeteria, etc. • Upgrade fire alarm system.
Improvements at Lincoln Orens Middle School • Replace existing roofing. • Replace all classroom doors and hardware. • Replace cabinets and closets in Suite B classrooms. • Install new acoustical ceiling and energy efficient lighting in gymnasium. • Install new PA/sound system with teacher ability to call office and 911. • Renovate existing industrial arts room into a STEAM lab.
• R enovate three science labs. • Renovate Lego engineering and zSpace labs. • Renovate art classroom. • Renovate main office and guidance areas. • Renovate PPS office and parent conference room. • Repair mechanical masonry and plumbing systems. • Upgrade fire alarm system.
same five-week period. Basketball and other indoor sports clinics run the week after Camp ends. The cost of the improvements through Proposition #2 totals $4.6 million. It is important to note that Proposition #2 can only be approved if Proposition #1 is first approved by voters.
3
Island Park Public Schools
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ISLAND PARK, NY PERMIT NO.17
District Office 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, NY 11558 (516) 434-2600
Board of Education Jack Vobis, President Diana Caracciolo, Vice President Tara Byrne, Trustee Kathleen McDonough, Trustee Matthew F. Paccione, Trustee Administration Dr. Rosmarie T. Bovino, Superintendent of Schools Marie Donnelly, School Business Official Marianne DeCicco, District Clerk Brian Cleary, Treasurer Counsel to the Board: Lamb & Barnosky, LLP Public Information: Syntax
ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Financing the Plan paid off this past summer, 13 The total cost of the work years ahead of schedule as a proposed through Proposition result of the district’s diligence #1 totals $15.3 million. in obtaining reimbursement However, to help finance the funds from FEMA. Bonds plan, the district is asking borrowed in 1997 and 2000 approval from voters to apply will be fully paid in August its $2.9 million Capital Reserve 2018. The new debt incurred Fund toward the project to if Proposition #1 is approved use for the roofing. This fund would essentially “replace” this was established for a three-year debt and begin at $118 for the period with the intention of first year and gradually move to it being used for new roofs. $149 by 2021-22. This would While voters approved the be approximately $31 more establishment of this fund annually per household than three years ago, the district was previously paid. must also seek voter approval If Proposition #2 is also in order to use money from approved, bond debt for the the account. This reduces the average household would cost of Proposition #1 to $12.5 begin at $118 for the first million. year and gradually increase to Proposition #2 totals $4.6 $204 annually. This would million. If both propositions are be approximately $86 more approved by the community, annually per household than the total cost of the work to be was previously paid. financed would be $17 million. The remaining cost would be funded through bonds. In 2014-15, the Average Total Increas cost of bond debt to the e in Taxes If Proposition #1 is Ap average household in the proved: Approximately $31 pe district from previously r year approved projects was If Propositions #1 and $118 per year. Bond #2 are Approved: money borrowed after Approximately $86 pe Superstorm Sandy was r year
Voter Information
Voting Requirements To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a district resident for 30 days before the vote, and have not claimed the right to vote elsewhere. Who Needs to Register If you are a new resident and last registered or voted in a county other than Nassau, you must re-register. You do not need to register if you have voted in a general election in Nassau County or in the Island Park Public Schools, or if you have recently registered with the school district. Individuals may register on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the district’s administrative office/conference center, located at 99 Radcliffe Road between the hours of 10:00 AM-2:00 PM and from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM In order to register, individuals must: • Be a citizen of the United States. • Be 18 years of age or older. • Have resided in the school district for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the vote date. Absentee Ballots Absentee ballots may be applied for at the district’s administrative office/conference center between the hours of 8:30 AM to 12:30 and 1:30 to 4:30 PM on days that school is in session. Applications for absentee ballots may be delivered in person to the district clerk’s office (99 Radcliffe Road) at least one day before the vote. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the district clerk must receive the completed application no later than Jan. 17. The deadline for returning absentee ballots by mail or in person is Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 5:00 PM.
islander
Official Publication of the Island Park Board of Education
Island Park Schools • Bond 2017
A Voter Guide to the Bond Referendum
Don’t we budget for these improvements? Capital improvements of this scale cannot be included in the operating budget without impacting the tax levy in a significant way. Using a bond spreads out the cost over a longer period of time and mitigates the annual tax impact. How will it impact me? The additional Public S with the first cost impact ark associated c assessed home P proposition for an average in the district is approximately $31 per year. The cost impact for the second proposition on the average assessed home would be approximately $86 per year. For all detailed information, please see page 4.
ols ho
What is the intended outcome? The facility projects will help preserve the basic integrity of our school buildings, address long overdue repairs and create modern instructional spaces for students. Projects include the conversion of Lincoln Orens Middle School’s industrial arts/technical education classroom into a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) lab, and renovations to three middle school science labs. In addition, the art rooms at both schools will be fully renovated.
Hegarty classrooms will be refitted with new cabinets and closets. A second proposition calls for the addition of air conditioning in all classrooms and gyms. For the complete list of improvements proposed, please see page 3.
Isla nd
What is the challenge? Building systems and resources have a natural life span. Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School was built in 1927 and Lincoln Orens Middle School was constructed in 1962. Much of the infrastructure in both buildings is original to the construction of the schools and has well exceeded its usefulness. The combination of wear and tear has prompted the district to identify areas for attention that will result in positive changes to instructional environments for students.
BOND 2017 What do I need to do to vote? Look for all voter information on page 4 of this newsletter.
Save the Dates Jan. 9, 2017 Community Forum on Bond Referendum @ Conference Center, 7:30 PM Jan. 10, 2017 Building Tour @ Hegarty: Community Residents, 6:00 PM Parents, 7:00 PM Jan. 12, 2017 Building Tour @ Lincoln Orens: Community Residents, 6:00 PM Parents, 7:00 PM Jan. 24, 2017 VOTE Polls Open 7:00 AM-9:00 PM @ Lincoln Orens Auditorium Foyer, 150 Trafalgar Blvd., Island Park
ISLAND PARK Public Schools
BOND 2017
Proposition Preserving Building Integrity and Expanding Learning Opportunities for Students #1:
Aging science classrooms would be renovated to accommodate 21st-century research group/team work and Regents preparation that the district plans to coordinate with the high schools’ science research programs.
Cabinets and closets in most classrooms at the elementary school have been in place for over 70 years. They would be replaced with safer, more efficient cabinets and cubbies that would help students develop independence.
Proposition #2: Air Conditioning
2
Current science labs are original to the building’s construction and are showing signs of deterioration.
Art classroom space is currently very limited. The bond would provide purposefully designed work and storage spaces with integrated technology.
Voters will have the opportunity to vote on a second proposition on Jan. 24 for the addition of air conditioning in all classrooms and gymnasiums that will help to improve temperature control and airflow. Air conditioning is being considered for reasons beyond comfort. It addresses allergies and other health conditions among students whose needs the district is required to meet. The district has already had to install
Roofs are 20 years old, leaking and no longer under warranty. The bond includes roof replacements, the majority of which would be covered by Capital Reserve Fund money.
This is the district’s Industrial Arts room. A new, modern 21st-Century STEAM lab would feature workshops, a dust collection system and technology and instructional areas to better prepare students for college and future jobs.
air conditioning in several classrooms on as-needed, case-by-case basis, and the cost of continuing to do this will likely be greater in the long run. Additionally, the buildings are used in July and August for academic summer school, English language and special education programs. The district’s Recreation Department also runs a Summer Experience Camp that utilizes gym and classroom space during the
Improvements at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School • Replace existing roofing. • Replace cabinets and closets in most classrooms. • Replace all classroom doors and hardware. • Install new acoustical ceiling and energy efficient lighting in gymnasium. • Renovate art classroom. • Repair mechanical masonry and plumbing systems.
• I nstall new PA/sound system with teacher ability to call office and 911. • Install a generator for backup electricity to maintain phone and PA systems, lighting, refrigeration for nurse’s office and cafeteria, etc. • Upgrade fire alarm system.
Improvements at Lincoln Orens Middle School • Replace existing roofing. • Replace all classroom doors and hardware. • Replace cabinets and closets in Suite B classrooms. • Install new acoustical ceiling and energy efficient lighting in gymnasium. • Install new PA/sound system with teacher ability to call office and 911. • Renovate existing industrial arts room into a STEAM lab.
• R enovate three science labs. • Renovate Lego engineering and zSpace labs. • Renovate art classroom. • Renovate main office and guidance areas. • Renovate PPS office and parent conference room. • Repair mechanical masonry and plumbing systems. • Upgrade fire alarm system.
same five-week period. Basketball and other indoor sports clinics run the week after Camp ends. The cost of the improvements through Proposition #2 totals $4.6 million. It is important to note that Proposition #2 can only be approved if Proposition #1 is first approved by voters.
3
Island Park Public Schools
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ISLAND PARK, NY PERMIT NO.17
District Office 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, NY 11558 (516) 434-2600
Board of Education Jack Vobis, President Diana Caracciolo, Vice President Tara Byrne, Trustee Kathleen McDonough, Trustee Matthew F. Paccione, Trustee Administration Dr. Rosmarie T. Bovino, Superintendent of Schools Marie Donnelly, School Business Official Marianne DeCicco, District Clerk Brian Cleary, Treasurer Counsel to the Board: Lamb & Barnosky, LLP Public Information: Syntax
ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Financing the Plan paid off this past summer, 13 The total cost of the work years ahead of schedule as a proposed through Proposition result of the district’s diligence #1 totals $15.3 million. in obtaining reimbursement However, to help finance the funds from FEMA. Bonds plan, the district is asking borrowed in 1997 and 2000 approval from voters to apply will be fully paid in August its $2.9 million Capital Reserve 2018. The new debt incurred Fund toward the project to if Proposition #1 is approved use for the roofing. This fund would essentially “replace” this was established for a three-year debt and begin at $118 for the period with the intention of first year and gradually move to it being used for new roofs. $149 by 2021-22. This would While voters approved the be approximately $31 more establishment of this fund annually per household than three years ago, the district was previously paid. must also seek voter approval If Proposition #2 is also in order to use money from approved, bond debt for the the account. This reduces the average household would cost of Proposition #1 to $12.5 begin at $118 for the first million. year and gradually increase to Proposition #2 totals $4.6 $204 annually. This would million. If both propositions are be approximately $86 more approved by the community, annually per household than the total cost of the work to be was previously paid. financed would be $17 million. The remaining cost would be funded through bonds. In 2014-15, the Average Total Increas cost of bond debt to the e in Taxes If Proposition #1 is Ap average household in the proved: Approximately $31 pe district from previously r year approved projects was If Propositions #1 and $118 per year. Bond #2 are Approved: money borrowed after Approximately $86 pe Superstorm Sandy was r year
Voter Information
Voting Requirements To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a district resident for 30 days before the vote, and have not claimed the right to vote elsewhere. Who Needs to Register If you are a new resident and last registered or voted in a county other than Nassau, you must re-register. You do not need to register if you have voted in a general election in Nassau County or in the Island Park Public Schools, or if you have recently registered with the school district. Individuals may register on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the district’s administrative office/conference center, located at 99 Radcliffe Road between the hours of 10:00 AM-2:00 PM and from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM In order to register, individuals must: • Be a citizen of the United States. • Be 18 years of age or older. • Have resided in the school district for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the vote date. Absentee Ballots Absentee ballots may be applied for at the district’s administrative office/conference center between the hours of 8:30 AM to 12:30 and 1:30 to 4:30 PM on days that school is in session. Applications for absentee ballots may be delivered in person to the district clerk’s office (99 Radcliffe Road) at least one day before the vote. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the district clerk must receive the completed application no later than Jan. 17. The deadline for returning absentee ballots by mail or in person is Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 5:00 PM.
