Glen Cove Voters Reject School Bonds; See Vote Totals

GLEN COVE, NY — Glen Cove voters Tuesday rejected two propositions that would fund major improvement projects to city schools, the district confirmed. Ballots were cast at Glen Cove High School and Connolly Elementary School.

The district confirmed to Patch Wednesday the bonds did not pass. The final vote tallies were as follows:

Proposition No. 1: 1,128 "yes" votes and 1,333 "no" votes.

Proposition No. 2: 1,073 "yes" votes and 1,349 "no" votes.

Maria Rianna, the superintendent, said the district was "obviously deeply saddened and extremely concerned" with the outcome.

"We will continue to provide our children with the best-quality education possible," she said in a statement. "However, the fact remains that despite misinformation circulating in our community to the contrary, our schools are in dire need of repairs and renovations that must still be addressed."

The Board of Education and administration plans to work together to determine the best plan moving forward, Rianna said.

Two propositions were each up for vote, one of which could only pass if the other was authorized. The Long Island Herald reported that audible gasps and visible tears erupted in the lobby of Glen Cove High School when Rianna said the proposed bond did not pass.

The district estimated that Proposition 1 would cost the average homeowner with a $500,000 home $24.58 a month for 15 years. Proposition 2 was estimated to cost that same homeowner $10.77 a month during that period.

The district was eligible to receive 33 percent of its funding through state building money.

A similar bond vote in March also failed.

You can read more about the latest failed propositions below.

Proposition No. 1

This bond would have replace inside and outside doors, as well as update hardware for security; replace outside windows to stop leaks and improve security; renovate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; repair the dangerous electrical system at Wunsch auditorium and improve lighting and sound system; add more classrooms to curb overcrowding; move transformers a safe distance away from school buildings; repair outdated fire alarms; renovate and expand classrooms and cafeterias; bring buildings into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act; install bathrooms and elevators; and renovate 50-year old science labs.

Proposition No. 2

This bond, which can only be authorized if the first proposition passes, would add even more classrooms; repair parking lots to address flooding and damage; renovate outdated music and art rooms; replace outdoor windows; repair and upgrade athletic fields, field press box, and tennis courts; restore masonry and walkways; and replace flooring ceilings and lighting.

Finley Middle School

Proposition 1 would fund work to repair unsafe electrical system in the auditorium and improve lighting and sound systems at the school, which was built in 1911. Plans also call for moving a transformer to a safer spot, replacing classroom doors and hardware, and improving heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Proposition 2 would fund the replacement of windows and bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as repairs to the crumbling masonry and parking lot.

Deasy Elementary School

Proposition 1 would fund projects including adding four classrooms, bringing the building into compliance with the ADA, replacing classroom doors and hardware and improving HVAC systems at the school, which was built in 1927.

Proposition 2 would fund the replacement of windows and parking lot repairs.

Landing Elementary School

Proposition 1 would fund repairs at this school, built in 1932, including adding two classrooms, bringing the school into ADA compliance and replacing classroom doors.

Proposition 2 would fund the restoration of the cafeteria and moving of classrooms from the cafeteria to the second floor, as well as window replacements and parking lot repairs.

Connolly Elementary School

Proposition 1 would fund the expansion of the cafeteria at the school, built in 1955. It would also provide money to repair the upper parking lot, replace classroom doors and improve the HVAC system.

Proposition 2, meanwhile, would allow for window replacements.

Glen Cove High School

Built in 1962, Proposition 1 would fund two projects at the high school: moving classrooms from the cafeteria to the second floor and improving the HVAC system.

Proposition 2 would fund five projects: renovating the outdated music and art rooms, repairing and upgrading the athletic fields, replacing tennis courts, repairing the parking lot and replacing windows.

Gribbin Elementary School

Built in 1966, Proposition 1 would fund the replacement of classroom doors and improvements to the HVAC system.

Proposition 2 would help fund projects to make the building ADA compliant and replace windows.