Smithtown Schools $120M Bond Referendum Passes

SMITHTOWN, NY — A $120 million capital project bond referendum was passed by residents within the Smithtown Central School District at a vote held Tuesday, the school district announced. Voters approved the bond by 1,251 yes votes to 430 no votes.

The bond is meant to prioritize safety and security, renovate and repair aging facilities, and continue to provide opportunities for students to succeed, according to the district.

"We are grateful to the Smithtown community for their support," Superintendent Mark Secaur stated via news release.

The proposal will not increase taxes, as new payments for the proposed work would replace expiring debt payments, according to the district. No tax revenue will be needed to support the bond payments.

Smithtown's proposed projects include:

• Installation of HVAC systems to improve fresh air intake.
• Improvements to lighting in select areas.
• Replacement of outdated hot water heaters.
• Repairs to cracked sidewalks and asphalt.
• Replacement of windows, doors and deteriorating ceiling tiles.
• Upgrades to the fire alarm systems in all buildings to provide adequate audio-visual strobes and smoke detectors to meet current space requirements.
• Renovation of exterior stairs, steps and ramps.

The proposal also includes items meant to directly benefit student education:

• Enhancements and upgrades to select auditoriums, including new seating, finishes, acoustical treatments, LED house and theatrical lighting, rigging, sound system and smartpodiums.
• Reconfiguration and upgrades to existing science, family and consumer science, technology, robotics and preschool classrooms at the secondary level.
• Investments to physical education and athletic programs, including renovated locker rooms, construction of new concession stands and bathrooms at both the High School East and High School West stadium fields, creation of a fitness center at High School West and renovations to the athletic turf fields on the secondary level.

"The board of education and administration would like to thank all community residents who voted on the bond referendum," the district wrote. "The results will be formally accepted by the
board of education at its regular Wednesday meeting."