School officials to lead forums on bond

North Merrick School District officials, including Superintendent David Feller and Facilities Director James Saitta, will give multiple public presentations in coming days on the district’s plans for a $14.65 million capital improvements bond.

Feller and Saitta will speak at the North and Central Merrick Civic Association’s meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at the North Merrick Public Library, at 1691 Meadowbrook Road. The school district will also host its own forums on the bond at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, and 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Fayette School, at 1057 Merrick Ave.

The North Merrick School District is seeking to borrow $14.65 million for infrastructure upgrades at Camp Avenue, Fayette and Old Mill Road elementary schools, which administrators say are essential for the schools’ long-term use. Local residents will decide at the May 19 school vote whether to approve a bond sale to fund the buildings and grounds improvements.

All three schools need new boilers, radiators, masonry work and air-conditioners in each building’s general assembly room, administrators said at North Merrick Board of Education meetings. In addition, they said, Camp Avenue needs new hot-water pipes, and Fayette and Old Mill Road need new windows. On March 10, the board passed a resolution to place a bond referendum on the May ballot.

If approved, the bond would cost the average North Merrick household $127.55 annually for 15 years, according to Feller and Dr. Stephen Draper, assistant superintendent for business and operations.