Readers Write: Capital upgrades at Sewanhaka schools

The Island Now

As we approach the upcoming school year, we will be celebrating the 86th year of instruction in the Sewanhaka Central High School District.  Before our students arrive in September, our professional staff will return on August 27th and 28th for our Opening Day Program, during which we will welcome new and returning faculty and staff. We also will honor our Teachers of the Year and employees who have been with the district for 25 years or more. Our goal continues to be to ensure that each child is provided with an education designed to meet his or her needs.  We believe that our professional staff is instrumental in providing for this success.  

During the summer months, there have been several capital projects that are underway and the goal remains to complete these projects prior to the beginning of the school year.  At Elmont Memorial High School, a new elevator will be installed prior to the opening of the school year.  At Sewanhaka High School, a section of the roof was repaired and a new gymnasium floor is being installed.  The gymnasium floors at Floral Park Memorial High School have been refinished and a donated concession stand was refurbished by the students in the District’s construction trades program and by the Floral Park Memorial custodial/maintenance staff.  Plans are also moving forward regarding the elevator replacement at H. Frank Carey High School.  The plans will be submitted to the State Department of Education during the fall and the replacement will be completed by the beginning of the 2015 school year.  Finally, the New Hyde Park Memorial High School gymnasium has been painted and a new ceiling has been installed.  As a result, this facility is now one that is in the condition that our students deserve.

The Board of Education has continued its work regarding the successful bond referendum that was passed during May of 2014.  The construction management firm that will assist in overseeing the projects will be appointed in early September and the work will be initiated at the ATS athletic facility on Hempstead Turnpike during the early fall.  A ground breaking ceremony has been scheduled for September 17, 2014 at 6:30 PM.  Please look for further details regarding this event on the district website.  The next phase of the project will be initiated during the spring of 2015 to include the installation of the synthetic fields at all five high schools, new roofs at each high school and asbestos abatement during the summer months.  The district website will feature a section that will keep you updated regarding the progress of the work.

With the school year just around the corner, I hope that you and your family members enjoy the remainder of the summer and begin to plan appropriately for the upcoming school year.  In the near future, the fall athletic teams will begin their preparations, the marching bands will initiate rehearsals and the building administrations will complete the scheduling process in preparation for September.  This time of year is always filled with anticipation and excitement and we are all certainly looking forward toward working with your children during the 2014-15 school year.

The District is also working toward two additional initiatives that will have a positive impact on the operating budget.  First, the Board of Education will be analyzing proposals that were submitted under Energy Performance Contracts that may reduce the amount of funds that will be bonded to complete some of the work that was proposed within the approved bond referendum.  Next, through working with Cenergistic, the district will be aggressively educating the entire staff in order to emphasize the reduction of energy consumption through conservation approaches.  The goals for both initiatives are to significantly reduce energy use within the district without sacrificing comfort of students and staff, and reduce the funds under the operating budget that are dedicated toward district utilities in order to make every effort to maintain student programs in the future.

As I have emphasized in the past, let us all continue to work collaboratively to ensure that our children get off to a good start as the school year begins.  Developing those study routines that are most likely to lead to academic success is essential.  As always, our goal is for our students to benefit from all that our schools have to offer.  Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions about what you can do to promote your child’s academic success and personal well-being in school. I remain grateful to serve as the Superintendent of Schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District and look forward to accomplishing the goals that we have established in order to maintain and expand upon the District’s academic, athletic and performing arts programs.

Ralph P. Ferrie, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Share this Article