East Meadow Schools, Library Agree on $58 Million Bond Referendum

The East Meadow Public Library Board of Trustees and the East Meadow School District Board of Education approved their first joint bond referendum resolution, paving the way for voters to decide on the nearly $60 million resolution next year.

Both boards unanimously approved the referendum, which would total $58,848,526 in work for multiple projects across the library and schools. Community residents will have an opportunity to vote on the bond referendum on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

The library’s proposed scope of work, totaling $14,603,806, includes partial reconstruction and reconfiguration of existing space, as well as the installment of many new features, including a new roof, insulated glass windows, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning units and controls, an expansion of the children’s room with a study room, additional reading areas at the adult library, a Makerspace/multipurpose room, a large group conference room, a dedicated family bathroom, and an ADA compliant elevator and bathroom.

New construction also includes the addition of a walled-in outdoor seating area and a 250 seat theater-style community room to accommodate expanded programs for children and adults.

The schools make up much more of the bond, with a proposed $44,244,720. The majority of the work includes infrastructural repairs and upgrades throughout the district as needed, including new roofs and more efficient heating, ventilation, cooling, plumbing and electrical upgrades.

To better support the instructional needs of students, the district plans to implement a 21st-century advanced science initiative and to improve the music rooms at East Meadow and W. Tresper Clarke high schools.

In addition, the district plans to replace the current athletic field at W. Tresper Clarke High School with a multi-sport natural grass field, complete with a new track with appropriate curbs and drainage, new bleachers and bathrooms, and a concession stand and storage. The tennis courts would also be replaced to meet regulations and allow students to practice and compete safely.

At East Meadow High School, the existing field would be replaced with a natural grass field for field hockey, football and lacrosse. A natural grass soccer field and softball field are also included in the bond, along with a renovated natural grass practice field for field hockey, football and soccer. The track would be renovated, as would the bathrooms, concession stand and storage space, and the tennis courts would be replaced. The proposed capital work also includes a new natural grass field for field hockey, football, lacrosse and soccer at Woodland Middle School.

Leading up to the vote over the next several months, representatives from both the library and the school district plan to attend meetings throughout the community and will host informational meetings for residents.

Photo: East Meadow School District