At a special meeting of the board of education of the Massapequa Schools Oct. 10, Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Pereira presented his recommended course of action for addressing the district's growing enrollment and crowed facilities.

Due to the tight timeline of Fall 2003, the board will take action on the recommendation at their regular meeting Oct. 17. "Should the board approve this plan, we'll need to move on Phase I immediately if fall 2003 is our target for completion," Dr. Pereira said.

The plan addresses the areas of concern in three phases. Phase I calls for the immediate plan for construction of four classrooms at Birch Lane School, renovation of existing space at Ames School to create four classrooms and installation of up to four portable classrooms at Ames for the Fall of 2003.

Phase II involves the construction of up to seven classrooms and expansion of the current gymnasium at Ames for 2004.

Phase III calls for the renovation of existing space at Massapequa High School to create up to 12 classrooms. Also included in this phase is reclaiming the Hawthorn Building from BOCES, moving central administration to Hawthorn and renovating current central office facilities to create up to 12 new classrooms for 2006.

The plan is based on extensive research provided in the Facilities Task Force report of spring 2002 and the BOCES enrollment study of fall 2001. According to Dr. Pereira, it is designed to support the instructional program, as well as to accommodate the anticipated enrollment. "It strikes a balance between educational, fiscal and political realities," Dr. Pereira explained. "While our primary concern is providing an atmosphere conducive to effective teaching and learning, we must be cognizant of financial issues facing our residents. This plan provides necessary instructional facilities with minimal fiscal impact."

The board is scheduled to take action on the recommendation at their meeting Oct. 17, public session to begin at 8 p.m. in the board room, administration wing of Massapequa High School. All residents are welcome to attend.