The challenges that face the Manhasset School District, brought on by increased enrollment at a time of economic uncertainty, are complex indeed. Thoughtful community members may be at a loss making up their minds regarding what should be done to address the challenges we face.

The fact is enrollment continues to grow with projections pointing toward a K-6 enrollment of over 1700 students within six years, as compared to under 1500 students this year, and a 7 - 8 enrollment of over 624 students in 2011-12, compared to 425 currently, as well as a 9-12 enrollment of 1,125 in 2013-2014, compared to 767 now.

While grade level peak enrollments are predicted to occur at different times, it appears probable that the total K-12 enrollment will peak in 2013-2014, when it is expected to reach 3356 students. These figures come directly from the latest demographic projection provided by District consultant, Dr. Lloyd Bishop. Dr. Bishop is the individual who has done enrollment projections for the district for many years.

In addition to the challenge that enrollment poses, we also face the challenge of an aging secondary facility that is in need of structural repair. And, adding to that, the challenge of keeping our educational facilities current in order to be able to meet the educational needs of the future. We did not choose the climate in which we must make these plans. Reassessment, downturns in the regional economy, and the high cost of educating students are all issues we must deal with simultaneously. However, we must face the facts and the future with aggressive action and optimism.

Manhasset is a wonderful community. I am confident that the community will make the choice that it believes is appropriate for its children. I suggest that it is the responsibility of each and every resident to get involved and become informed. Hearsay is an unreliable way to get information. Do all you can to "get the facts." Attend meetings and take a tour of the secondary building. The important thing to remember is that sometime in March, you will be asked to cast a vote. It is important that you cast an informed vote. We all need to do everything we can to ensure that the result of the vote is the result of an informed community. We owe this, not only to our community, but to our schools, and most assuredly, to the future of our children.

What can you do to get involved and become informed? You can attend a public meeting, two of which are scheduled within the next week. For the convenience of the community, we have scheduled two public meetings. They are scheduled at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 in the Secondary School Auditorium. At that time the community will be given information on the scope of the project and how it will improve education for our children. You will also be given up-to-date costs and how it will affect you as a taxpayer. In addition, you can sign up to take a tour of the secondary building.

The Manhasset website at www.Manhasset.K12.NY.US provides updates. In addition, beginning immediately, we will make available public presentations targeted at specific community groups. We would like to be able to present to as many school, community, service, civic and other associations as possible within the community to assure that there is complete and comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face, the options that are available to us to address those challenges and the cost of taking action and the ramifications of not taking action.

In Manhasset we are blessed with a supportive community, great students and a dedicated staff. We cannot shrink from the responsibility of addressing the challenges that face us. We can, and must, resolve to work together to seek the best plan that the community believes will address the challenges we face. As always, comments and suggestions can be addressed to the Superintendent at LBozzomoMP@Manhasset.K12.NY.US.

Superintendent Bozzomo