In a bond vote at the Carle Place School District, Proposition No. 1, an HVAC replacement project, was approved by a vote of 637 to 439. But Proposition No. 2, an extension to the district’s universal pre-K program, failed by a vote of 666 to 406.
“We look forward to sharing updates on the progress of the projects included in the first proposition and once again thank our community for its ongoing participation in the district,” Ted Cannone, superintendent of Carle Place School District, said in a statement.
The district will use $3 million from its existing capital reserves and $10 million from the bond to cover the total cost of this project, which is $13 million. The estimated impact to taxpayers for proposition No. 1 is approximately $12.82 on an average annual tax bill.
The HVAC project will replace the existing heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems at Carle Place Middle and High School with new, highly efficient systems. The systems will cool and clean the air in the classrooms and gymnasiums. The project will also replace the building’s suspended ceilings and new LED lighting will be installed.
“The existing heating plant at the middle school and high school is approximately 35 years old,” the bond presentation said. “Our current capital reserve balance is less than the funding required to complete a project of this magnitude.”
If it passed, the second proposition would have expanded Cherry Lane Elementary School by five classrooms to house the district’s UPK program. The district launched the program this year, which takes place in the newly renovated high school math and science room.
At a heated community bond forum on Oct. 10, many community members said the district could accommodate additional UPK classes without constructing new classrooms. Cannone said Cherry Lane Elementary School might be able to accommodate at least one additional UPK class if proposition No. 2 failed.
