For the last few years, it has been established that more space is needed in Elmont Memorial High School. Since the central administration offices for the Sewanhaka Central High School District, which is comprised of Elmont, Sewanhaka High School, Floral Park Memorial High School, New Hyde Park and H. Frank Carey High School, are located in Elmont Memorial, past discussions have revolved around moving the offices to another location.

While it has been mentioned in the past that the abandoned Alva T. Stanforth Junior High School, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, could eventually house the central administration offices, the board of education was never able to finalize a plan for the abandoned school. Recent talks have revolved around selling part of the property to BOCES. The board, therefore, has come up with an alternate plan.

When the Sewanhaka Central District 2001-2002 operating budget was approved last month, plans were set forth to relocate the central administration offices to a site on the grounds of Sewanhaka High School thereby opening up room in Elmont Memorial.

Superintendent of School Dr. George Goldstein said a 10,000-foot structure to house the offices will be constructed in the back lot of Sewanhaka High School, where the horticulture building is located. "There's a lot of empty land there," the superintendent said.

As a result, room for 10 new classrooms will open up in Elmont Memorial. The district estimates that the school's enrollment will increase by 300. Moving the central administration offices is seen as a solution to some of Elmont Memorial's space problems. "It will alleviate it tremendously," Dr. Goldstein said.

The project is expected to take about a year to complete.