Two special presentations were the focus of the Nov. 30 Manhasset Board of Education Public Work Session. The first was a preliminary overview of the district's draft audited financial statements for the 2005-06 school year, presented by Vincent Cullen, district external auditor. The second presentation was an exploratory discussion related to a bond referendum addressing districtwide infrastructure.

Mr. Cullen gave a preliminary oral report on the draft audited financial statements, as well as the management letter, which explains the status of the district's internal controls. Mr. Cullen reported that there are no material weaknesses in the district's internal control procedures. He briefly explained some of the new policies that school districts will be required to meet and implement over the next few years. The new policies will impact certain aspects of the district's financial reporting requirements. The draft report has been presented to the district's Audit Committee, as required by New York State statute, and the final report will be discussed at the Dec. 7 public session board meeting.

John Grillo, district architect, reviewed the scope of capital projects necessary to address districtwide infrastructure restoration and security. Mr. Grillo's initial report, entitled Facilities Evaluation - Supplemental Report to the Buildings Conditions Survey, was presented to the board in January 2006. Mr. Grillo has presented additional information on the Building Conditions Survey in several appearances before the board since that date, including on Oct. 5 and at the last meeting, Nov. 30. The board is considering a public vote on these projects in late January/early February 2007.

Mr. Grillo prefaced his comments saying that all projects in this proposal deal solely with infrastructure needs in the district's school buildings. They do not address programmatic upgrades, improvements to the delivery of education, or any classroom or co-curricular "extras." The list of upgrades, repairs, and/or replacements include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, roofs, exterior brickwork, windows, interior and exterior doors, sidewalks, back-up generators and districtwide technology and security.

The cost of the proposed projects totals approximately $19 million, a significant portion of which is focused at the 70-year old secondary school, the oldest of the district's three buildings. Rosemary Johnson, assistant superintendent for business, explained that the approximate final expenditure will total approximately $16.6 million. $1.5 million of the district's capital reserve fund and $919,000 of New York State EXCEL Building Aid is planned to be used to reduce the required amount of the bond.

Mr. Grillo said that, in his opinion, the most critical need of all the projects are roof replacements and exterior wall repairs at all schools, but particularly at the secondary school, where severe deterioration is evident and will continue to worsen quickly. The last major building improvement plan addressing mostly secondary school needs was approved by voters in 1984. The projects included in the 1996 bond were focused mainly at the elementary schools. The board will continue its discussion on this topic on Dec. 7. At that time, there may be a decision by the board to move forward with a late January/early February 2007 bond referendum.