The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Bond Referendum Vote is Dec. 17

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Residents in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District will have an opportunity to vote on a proposed capital project bond referendum on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Oyster Bay High School. After taking into consideration the opinions expressed by community residents, the Board of Education has decided to propose two separate propositions for voter approval.

An approved Proposition 1 will enable the district to redesign and expand the Oyster Bay High School fine and performing arts wing, regain much-needed instructional space at the high school and complete the installation of air conditioning in the high school auditorium. An approved Proposition 2 will enable the district to implement additional safety and security measures districtwide.

Details of the proposed scope of work are as follows:

Proposition 1 Cost: $6,990,791

Oyster Bay High School Fine and Performing Arts Expansion and Completion of AC Installation in Auditorium

• Redesign and expand the music and art wing to better accommodate current and future student enrollments and to allow for greater flexibility to explore options for additional music and art curricula.
• Renovate three classrooms including digital art room
• Regain one instructional classroom in the main building by constructing new 3D art room
• Relocate all art classes to one area of the high school
• Complete the installation of air conditioning in the high school auditorium
• Install air conditioning in the band and chorus rooms
• Reconfigure and renovate existing choral room and band space
• Combine and enlarge band and art spaces, including storage
• Increase small group instructional space
• Install state-of-the-art sound recording systems for music space
• Replace three sets of first-floor corridor doors
• Expansion of OBHS will preserve the existing traditional architecture of the building, similar to the design of the science wing.

Proposition 2 Cost: $826,000

Additional Safety and Security Measures Districtwide

• Reconstruct enclosed main entrance vestibules
• Upgrade security card reader system for entry access
• Install visitor management system
• Install additional security cameras

If voters approve the bond, New York State Building Aid will pay for 10 percent of the majority of the cost of the proposed scope of work. An approved bond will also enable the district to take advantage of historically low interest rates, further reducing the cost to taxpayers. If Proposition 1 is approved, the cost to the average homeowner will be approximately 16¢ per day, or approximately $58 per year. If Proposition 2 is approved, the cost to the average homeowner will be approximately 2¢ per day or approximately $7 per year. The total cost of both propositions is $7,816,791. If both Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 are approved, the cost to the average homeowner will be approximately 18¢ per day or approximately $65 per year. If both propositions are approved, the bond debt will actually be $161,927 less than the current bond debt reducing the current increase for the average homeowner from $83 per year to $65 per year.

The Board of Education and administration encourage all residents to vote on Thursday, Dec. 17. For more information about the bond referendum, visit the district’s website at www.obenschools.org.