In January 2000, a group of approximately 100 East Meadow teachers, who are also residents, joined together to form an organization called EMTRA (East Meadow Teacher-Residents Association). As homeowners in the district, members of EMTRA share the interests and concerns of all residents.

The East Meadow School District has historically enjoyed an excellent reputation, offering many innovative and special educational programs. This favorable reputation has resulted in a strong real estate market, attracting many young, middle-class families to the area. In short, the East Meadow School District has always been a desirable community boasting excellent schools.

As teachers, members of EMTRA are aware on a daily basis of the toll that time and increased enrollment have taken on the district's nine school facilities. Our tax dollars and two previous bond issues have been able to cover only partial repairs and replacements. We are concerned that if repairs are not completed and needed renovations not made, we will see a decline in the value of our properties. Fortunately, there is a solution.

On May 16, residents will be asked to vote on a $49 million bond issue. New York State is making a one-time offer to pay 60 percent of this bond issue, which amounts to $29,400,000. The taxable figure to the district would be $19,600,000. Superintendent of Schools Robert Dillon has begun meeting with our various civic associations, PTAs, etc., to present the proposal, complete with diagrams and photographs of the plans for each school building. EMTRA urges residents to attend one of these informative sessions, to see for themselves what is being planned, and to ask any questions and/or voice their concerns. Residents should call the superintendent's office for additional information.

As representatives, EMTRA is committed to gather information in meeting with school officials to help set priorities for appropriations to help voice the concerns of our fellow residents, and to act as a "watchdog" to ensure that this bond issue truly fulfills its stated objectives.

East Meadow Teacher-Residents Association members