On Wednesday, Dec. 13, I sat through a presentation on the EXCEL (Expanding our Children's Education and Learning) aid project; my third such briefing in as many weeks, conducted by the board of education of Westbury Union Free School District. In fact, this briefing took place during the monthly planning meeting of the board, where the entire first half of the evening's agenda was dedicated to this topic. Details of the project were explained to the public by district Superintendent Dr. Constance Clark and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Management Services Mary Lagnado.

And what are the details of this project? Well, it is a one-time allocation of money; akin to a grant, by the New York State Department of Education, to all public schools throughout the state, enabling them to make improvements to their facilities whether via new construction or by renovation to existing structures at no cost to the taxpayers. The total amount slated for Westbury is approximately $2.9 million, which might seem like a drop in the bucket considering today's construction costs but the smart, and fiscally shrewd people in the business office of the district were able to stretch this amount to $6 million at no cost to the community.

How will this be done? Based on a formula involving the district's wealth ration, and its total enrollment, it is entitled to 50 percent building aid, (somewhat akin to a matching fund) on what it spends on capital improvement. The district therefore opts to embark on a $6 million capital improvement in the form of additional classrooms. Since the local share of this $6 million project will be covered by the EXCEL Aid (approximately $3 million) it will cost the taxpayers virtually nothing.

This is indeed a timely windfall for the district, because it is no secret that all six schools in the system have been bursting at the seams for years due to overcrowded conditions. In fact, seven years ago, Jennifer Woods, then editor of The Westbury Times (Feb. 18, 1999), chronicled excerpts of a comprehensive study that was carried out by a building facilities committee which included building principals and teachers, and community civic groups and in which the need for additional space was clearly expressed.

Three years ago, on Feb. 11, 2003, in an attempt to address this problem, the board of education proposed a $79 million building program, and sought approval from the public via a referendum. This was soundly rejected at the polls. Undeterred, or perhaps by a stroke of luck, the board embarked on the QZAB (Qualified Zone Academy Bond) proposal; a one-of-a-kind, only one in the country, $28 million interest-free bond that allowed the district to make well-needed renovations to several of its schools.

At the time, the deal seemed almost too good to be true, but the public voted for it, on Oct. 16, 2003, and today the almost-like-new library, cafeteria, swimming pool and auditorium at the high school, and improved heating and fire systems and new windows at the Middle School and Powells Lane School, plus miscellaneous improvements at the other schools, are shining examples of what can be achieved when a community galvanize around progressive issues.

Over the next few weeks, the board of education will call on you (the public) again to demonstrate this "can-do" attitude. You will receive newsletters and brochures in the mail, outlining the finer details of this project. You will be invited to participate in meetings, forums and public discussions on the matter. Please avail yourselves to participate in all of them. Please also visit the school district's website at www.westburyschools.org to find out more information on the matter, or call the district's office at 876-5016 and ask for copies of the brochure.

Since this is a capital improvement project, it must be voted on by the public. The vote is expected to take place in February or early March. When the time comes, let's do it again - let's vote yes for progress, yes for education, yes for innovation.

Chester McGibbon

Secretary, Westbury School District PTA Council.