Locust Valley, Brookville and Bayville residents will vote on Feb. 9 on a bond issue for their schools. Hopefully it will pass.

When the Locust Valley Board of Education presented their needs to the community several years ago, much of the work included repairing their facilities. The public was shocked with the information and the board cut back their requests. Instead of tackling the entire issue, they focused on moving the sixth grade students to the high school to free up the Intermediate School. They put classrooms into halls to make up for lack of space.

They did not solve their problems.

It was not a new story. Oyster Bay faced the question of having to repair buildings. The Bermingham School story should go into the annals of worst case scenarios - it needed a roof - was abandoned by the board then in place - was neglected to the point that it was unsalable and unusable. Now - (my fingers are still crossed) it should be sold shortly so the community can close the door on that issue.

What I hope people will remember and consider, and what I would like to see New York State mandate - is regular maintenance programs for all school buildings, built into budgets so that needed repairs cannot be cut out by boards faced by a public that wants to cut down on spending.

The school district buildings are owned by the entire community and should be maintained with that spirit in mind. They must be maintained and updated as needed.

The Locust Valley bond issue also includes changes needed for more students and more educational needs for all students. This is also needed.

Please vote yes for the bond issue. This is a great time to do so. Looking at the figures my first thought was for the seniors on fixed incomes, but Governor George Pataki thought of them first and the STAR program is now in its second year.

This year the STAR program spreads out the tax needs to a larger base and accepts the fact that the children are being educated for the greater good of the entire larger community.

Therefore, go to the polls proudly, knowing you are doing your patriotic duty, in good community spirit, when you vote for the education of your students in facilities that provide today's educational environment for today's and tomorrow's students.

- DFK