Lindenhurst BOE: $8.8 Million Bond Referendum Includes 'Only The Most Necessary Updates'

Submitted by the Lindenhurst Board of Education

As a nine-member Board of Education and as members of the Lindenhurst community, we strive to always do our best for the children of Lindenhurst. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, community members will have the opportunity to vote on a plan that addresses the basic infrastructure needs of three district buildings, preserving the high standard of a Lindenhurst education for current and future generations while also providing a safer and more comfortable environment for our students and staff.

As a board, we vastly researched our options, met with community residents, and took their thoughts and opinions into great consideration. The board drastically scaled down the scope of the projects to include only the most necessary updates as a result of the community’s input.

As part of the proposal on Dec. 2, sections of roofs that are out of warranty and leaking will be replaced at the middle school, high school and Harding Avenue Elementary School, as well as a leaking window wall at the middle school. These leaks have already damaged building structures and content, including educational materials.

The final project will be the restoration of the iconic middle school clock tower, which has been compromised by rotting wood and requires attention. The current state of the clock tower poses a concern for further leaking and animal activity.

We feel that continuing to “patch the leaks” is certainly not the most cost-effective way to maintain our schools, nor is it in the best interest of our students, staff and the larger community.

The work proposed in this resolution qualifies for New York State Building Aid. The district receives a percentage of this aid based upon the total cost of projects completed. The current building state aid ratio is 69.3 percent for projects in this category. This drastically reduces the cost impact to local residents.

The amount requested for this phase of the bond referendum is $8.8 million. Using the average assessed home value, provided by the Town of Babylon, and the current tax rate, the annual impact on the taxpayer equates to $26.76 annually, or $2.23 per month.

More detailed information on the proposed referendum will be shared at the “Safe and Sound” community forum planned for 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Harding Avenue Elementary School.

The Board of Education invites all community members to attend this meeting so as to be informed when they make their voices heard at the polls on Dec. 2. Your local polling location will be open from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on that day. Every vote counts!