The Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education announces that the Nassau County Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) has approached the district with the prospect of purchasing the Alva T. Stanforth (ATS) Junior High School building. The building was closed since 1985 and has been the subject of considerable public discussion in the past year.

District officials are "very interested" in the possibility that an arrangement with BOCES can be negotiated in the near future, said Martin Cernese, president of the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education. Dr. George Goldsltein, superintendent of schools, added that under no circumstances would the district relinquish permanent control of the 20 acres of property surrounding ATS. These are critically important to Sewanhaka's athletic and recreation programs and are also heavily used by community groups. BOCES officials have indicated they have no need for the property, apart from necessary parking facilities.

At this point, the Sewanhaka District has sent BOCES relevant documents relating to ATS. There have been no formal exchange of positions, and all questions that relate to conditions of a purchase, including the price, are open to negotiation.

BOCES officials have told the Sewanhaka Board that they are also attempting to purchase the Nassau Tech Westbury Center to help reduce their high rental costs. A country-wide referendum on the purchase of the Westbury Center is scheduled for April 11, and all discussions on ATS will be suspended until after that date. Following the referendum, BOCES will inform the Sewanhaka district of its plans for further discussion that may lead to the purchase of ATS.

The Sewanhaka Board will provide additional information to the public as soon as events occur.