I.P. Schools hold forum and tours ahead of bond vote

With the Jan. 24 vote date for the Island Park Public Schools’ bond referenda approaching, the district held several informative events during which residents could obtain more details and take a firsthand look at the facilities. Building tours were conducted, and a community forum provided residents an opportunity to have questions answered.

The community forum was held on Jan. 9 at the conference center, where members of the board of education and administration, as well as the district’s architect consultants answered questions and presented on the scope of work and need for improvements.

A tour of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School was scheduled for Jan. 10, while one at Lincoln Orens Middle School is slated for Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. for residents and 7 p.m. for parents. The tours provide opportunities for community members to see areas of the buildings that are showing significant damage from wear and tear that comes with age. The Hegarty tour for parents included a game night by the recreation department.

Proposition No. 1 is a $12.5 million referendum that focuses on preservation of the district’s assets and enhancements. While it addresses new roofing and basic infrastructural repairs, the majority of the plan focuses on classroom renovations.

The district will also request permission from the community to apply $2.9 million from its capital reserve fund toward the roof replacements, which have a total cost of $4.5 million. This fund was established for a three-year period with the intention of being used for roofs. Though the establishment of the capital reserve was approved for this purpose, it cannot be used without voter approval.

A second proposition to be presented to voters addresses adding air conditioning to all classrooms and gymnasiums at both schools, at a cost of $4.6 million. Proposition No. 2 can only be approved if the first proposition is voted for.

The vote will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the foyer of the Steven L. Foster Auditorium at Lincoln Orens Middle School. There is a district-wide blood drive scheduled that day from 4 to 8 p.m.