Summer Means Upgrades For Massapequa Schools

Construction is taking place at several buildings throughout the Massapequa School District this summer, continuing work from the facilities bond and Capital Reserve Fund propositions approved by voters in 2014.

Several projects are taking place at Unqua Elementary School, including replacing the floors in the hallways of the original part of the building, which dates to 1952. The tiles and wooden subfloors were ripped up in the U-shaped section, which has a crawl space below for air ducts. Additional joists and side supports were added, which are being covered by two layers of plywood. New floor tiles will then be installed throughout that section as well as the addition from the mid-1950s, which is on a concrete slab.

The south parking lot is being expanded to accommodate approximately 30 more cars. Sidewalks are being replaced leading to the main entrance and the wood work on the outside of the building is receiving a fresh coat of paint this summer.

New windows are being installed at Fairfield Elementary School. Director of Facilities Timothy O’Donnell said every window will be replaced, including in classrooms, offices and large spaces.

Deputy Superintendent Alan Adcock added that because the old windows were several decades old, this project will improve energy efficiency in the building and lower heating costs. The new windows preserve the aesthetics of the school, which dates back to 1925.

The library media centers are being renovated at both Massapequa High School and Berner Middle School. The rooms have been gutted and will include new floors, furniture and casework. At Berner, the circulation desk is being moved to the back of the room adjacent to the library media specialist office. The high school library will include new rooms created by glass partitions for classes to meet. Both libraries will include state-of-the-art technology to support instruction.

The summer projects follow a year in which several other projects were completed including the installation of new fire alarms and doors at the nine schools, and the installation of turf fields at Berner.

“Thanks to the support of the community, we continue to make upgrades that provide our students and staff with safe and up-to-date facilities,” Adcock said. “It is necessary for us to make improvements to transform our buildings, some of which are more than 90 years old, into modern learning environments.”

Photos courtesy Massapequa School District