Massapequa School District administrators are preparing to make some tough decisions about how the upcoming, second phase of bond-funded construction work will affect summer programs.

Central office staff is expected to meet on Dec. 15 and analyze what space will be available during the heavy schedule of building set for the summer, and what programs may need to be cut.

"Phase two of the bond work will include construction at eight of our nine buildings," explained Bob Schilling, administrative assistant for the district. "The majority of the work will commence in the summer of 2000."

One advantage that the district has, noted Schilling, is that all work at the Ames 9th Grade Campus was completed last summer, so that school is fully available for programs. In addition to the renovation of that school for re-opening, some improvements were made last year at the district's elementary schools, and high school.

But with phase two, the bond project will switch into high gear, with rewiring for new technology, and window, ceiling and lighting work slated for the elementary schools and high school, as well as other various renovations. And, all construction included in the district's $49.9 million bond issue is scheduled to be completed by September, 2000, which places a tight time constraint on work crews. To lessen the amount of work that needs to be done during the summer, the district plans to undertake some smaller projects, such as work on bathrooms and science labs, during the spring.

The bond project caused the Massapequa School District to be faced with a similar dilemma last year, when roof construction at the elementary schools caused the cancellation of summer recreation just prior to the end of the school year.

Schilling said the district is hoping to avoid such last-minute problems by making parents aware now, that some programs may not be available, and that they should have back-up plans for their children's summer vacations.

He did not say which summer programs would be affected by the construction, noting that administration will present its recommendations to the Massapequa Board of Education on Jan. 6, at which time the board is expected to render a decision on the matter.