On Feb. 9, the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District community will be asked to cast their votes on a bond referendum that, if passed, will provide funding for necessary expansion of its high school and elementary-level building capacity. The district's already overcrowded situation, combined with the projected enrollment increase of approximately 1,000 new students over the next several years, has made it imperative for the district to put forth this referendum. The 1,000 students are expected to come from normal turnover, as well as from The Colony on Olde Oyster Bay, a 65-acre parcel that is expected to be developed into homes, condominiums, and multiple family dwellings over the next few years.

For more than a year the board of education, administration, parents, community members and teachers have thoroughly researched alternative proposals to address both short-term and long-term needs. The plan to be put before voters on Feb. 9 includes an 18-classroom addition at the high school consisting of general classrooms, science classrooms/labs and a multipurpose room; the opening of Pasadena as a fourth elementary school; and renovations and additions of our existing buildings to help meet the instructional and curriculum demands of the new state standards.

"We depend on our school district to provide our children with a high level of educational excellence," commented Board President Alicia Kabak. "That expectation will be difficult to attain if our children are learning in overcrowded classrooms or inappropriate spaces. This referendum is a fiscally and educationally prudent plan that will solve our space needs, while preparing our children to become competitive students of the 21st century."

The $24 million, 20-year bond is expected to amount to a cost of about $8.00 per month for the average homeowner. As opposed to putting the cost into the annual operating budget, a bond issue will allow the district to accomplish the work in a short time frame while spreading payments out, keeping the cost manageable. In addition, a bond issue will ensure that residents moving into the district in the future will be paying their fair share of improvements that their children will be enjoying.

The amount of the bond, if approved by voters, represents the maximum amount the district is allowed to borrow - it does not require the district to borrow the entire amount. If, for whatever reason, the development of "The Colony" is scaled back, the amount that the district borrows can be reduced.

"If voters do not approve the bond issue on Feb. 9, there are alternatives that we as a board of education would have to consider, all of which could have a negative impact on the quality of education in our district," commented Mrs. Kabak. According to Superintendent Dr. Anthony Cavanna, those options include a considerable increase in class size, leasing costly portable classrooms that only provide a short-term solution, moving programs off site into costly rented classroom space, and double sessions at the high school. Other ramifications could include district insurance costs, as well as increased transportation costs.

"We have a responsibility to continue providing an education to the children of this district whether or not the bond is approved," Dr. Cavanna stated. "However, in order to provide the highest quality learning environment for our students, it is imperative that we resolve our space needs."

Registered voters may vote on Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Polling places are Jamaica Avenue School, Old Bethpage Elementary and POB Middle School. If anyone is unsure of their designated polling place, or for more information, please call 927-6301.