On Tuesday, Dec. 3, qualified residents of the Great Neck Public Schools will be asked to authorize a proposed $9,749,469 Capital Projects Proposition for the construction of new classrooms at E.M. Baker School and Lakeville School.
The total cost of these construction projects will be funded from the District’s unassigned fund balance. Voters must authorize the district to transfer funds from the unassigned fund balance into the capital fund to pay for these improvement projects. There will be no increase in school taxes as a result of this Proposition.
Proposed Capital Projects
The Proposed Capital Projects focus on the construction of additional classrooms to address space constraints at E.M. Baker School and Lakeville School. The proposed classrooms will accommodate current and projected future enrollment needs at these two buildings.
- E.M. Baker School: Construction of a new classroom wing addition to accommodating six new classrooms, plus bathroom additions/renovations, staircase reconstruction, and a new elevator and ramp in accordance with ADA accessibility requirements; redesign of the bus loop and parent drop-off area.
- Lakeville School: Construction of a classroom addition to the east wing to accommodate two new classrooms.
A detailed presentation about the scope of the Proposed Capital Projects, which was presented at the Board of Education meeting on Oct. 15, is available on the District website at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/2019proposition.
Funding the Capital Projects
The Board of Education and Administration are committed to providing students with a quality education while being fiscally prudent. Financing these Projects from the unassigned fund balance will not result in an increase to the real property tax levy and will enable the District to commence work on these projects during the 2019–2020 school year. The District’s unassigned fund balance is funding that has accumulated from prior years’ revenues being greater than expenditures. This is a result of conservative budgeting practices, careful spending, and favorable economic circumstances.
Voter Registration
If you have voted in any school or general election since 2015, you are registered to vote on the Capital Projects Proposition on Dec. 3. If you have not voted since 2015 or are not registered, you may register if you are 18 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen, and a district resident for at least 30 days. Registration takes place on school days from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the District Clerk’s Office, Phipps Admin. Bldg., 345 Lakeville Road. (441-4020). You must be registered by Wed., Nov. 27, to vote on Tues., Dec. 3.
Absentee Ballots
Qualified, registered voters can obtain applications for absentee ballots from the District website or from the District Clerk’s Office on school days from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Residents who are qualified voters and whose registration records have been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections will automatically receive absentee ballots. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 3.
Polling Locations
Voting on the Capital Projects Proposition will take place on Dec. 3 during the hours of 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the District’s four polling locations: E.M. Baker School, Lakeville School, Saddle Rock School, and South High School. Each registered voter may cast a ballot at only his/her assigned polling location. Residents who are unsure of their polling location can visit the “Poll Place Finder” on the District website or call the District Clerk at 441-4020.
For More Information
For details about the Proposed Capital Projects, voter registration, absentee ballots, and voting, please call (516) 441-4020 or visit www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/2019proposition.
