Next week, the Hicksville Board of Education will present community taxpayers with the details of a proposed $42 million bond issue to address a broad spectrum of infrastructure projects that would touch virtually every student in the district. The projects range from boiler replacements, to fire alarm upgrades, to additional science rooms. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 8:15 p.m., at the Hicksville High School auditorium on Division Avenue.

"It has been 40 years since the last time the school board came to the community to seek permission to raise bonds in order to address issues then facing the district," stated Nancy Callari, president of the Hicksville School Board. "Today, we are submitting a plan to our neighbors and fellow taxpayers that seeks to accomplish goals and objectives. The bond issue which will be presented in specific detail is earmarked for a host of projects that have been identified by a joint committee consisting of taxpayers, administrators and educators." Many school districts throughout Nassau County, also faced with infrastructure needs accumulated over decades, have been putting forth similar bond proposals in recent years.

Terri Perkowski, a mother of two children, one a college student and one attending school in the district, and a member of the School Board Bond Advisory Committee, stated, "The breakdown on proposed expenses is tabulated to the dollar so that our fellow residents can see a detailed ledger on what is being proposed. Only in this manner can we ensure that there is an informed and educated decision by every voter on the bond issue. In addition, each member of the School Board Bond Advisory Committee has agreed to assist in informing the public about the details of the bond. We are doing so because we believe that taxpayers must have all the questions addressed before they can make a decision how to proceed."

Expenses that would be covered by the bond issue include roof replacements, energy efficient windows, toilet and plumbing renovations, electrical service, ceiling tile replacement, athletic field modernization, new classroom technology, telephone, fire and security upgrades, fencing and asphalt pavements.

Board President Callari continued, "It will be up to the voter to make up his or her mind regarding the merits of the proposed bond issue, and whether our plans to spend those dollars makes sense to them. But key to the decision-making process is information. More than just the letter of the law, we have an ethical obligation to get as much information into their hands as possible. We urge the participation of every taxpayer in this process by asking questions and reviewing the materials we are putting into their hands."