Friday, September 15, 2017
Vol. 77, No. 37
$1
Town sends hurricane relief supplies to Texas
BACK TO SCHOOL
BY GARY SIMEONE
Incoming and returning students were excitedly welcomed to Hicksville Public School District’s nine schools to mark the start of the 2017-2018 year on Sept. 5. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carl Bonuso and Dutch Elementary teacher Rachel Ytuarte welcomed a student off the school bus.
Bond referendum up for vote in Hicksville
The Hicksville Public School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a bond referendum that will go to community vote on Nov. 14. The bond will have no additional impact to taxpayers and is comprised of two separate propositions. Proposition One seeks to bond approximately $26.8 million in order to perform necessary facilities and educational upgrades for the students and community.
These include roof replacements, renovations to libraries, computer labs, the addition of technology rooms, and heating, air conditioning, and electrical system upgrades districtwide. Proposition Two, which is dependent upon the approval of Proposition One, would authorize the district to construct a complex, featuring a swimming pool and related additions, including a lobby, lavatory, locker facilities,
paved parking lot and machinery. This would require an additional bond for approximately $14.7 million, still with no tax impact for residents. Voting will be held at each of the elementary schools between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Nov. 14. Additional information will be available on the district’s website at www.hicksvillepublicschools.org and will be forthcoming to all residents.
It has been a tough end to the summer with two powerful hurricanes battering the United States. Hurricane Irma has taken its toll on the southeastern states and last month, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread damage and destruction in Texas. Last Thursday, Town of Oyster Bay officials gathered with a group of local firefighters to send a truck load of supplies to aid those affected by Harvey. A press conference was held last Thursday at the Massapequa firehouse, where two trucks were loaded to the brim, ready to transport supplies such as bottled water, nonperishable food, toiletries, diapers, and other essential items. “The response has been overwhelming as far as people dropping off supplies to aid those in Texas,” said Town councilman, Lou Imbroto. “To see communities turn around to help others in need is really a great thing.” Imbroto said that the donation drive began August 30th with Island Harvest Food Bank getting the ball rolling. Since than, other companies and organizations have gotten involved, including Home Depot, Continued Care of Long Island, and Galaxie Coffee in Farmingdale. Massapequa Park Mayor Jeff Pravato, who attended the press conference, said that it was only right to give back to people in need, especially after the generosity of people from around the country who helped out Long Islanders after Superstorm Sandy. “We wanted to help those in the great state of Texas who are going through a tough time recovering from the hurricane,” said Pravato. He said that he has received an outpouring of support from residents who have been dropping off supplies to Village Hall, and has even had a woman stop by his house to donate items. “I had a woman stop by with over $250 in supplies to help those in Texas.” The dropoff points for the items included Oyster Bay Town Hall North and South, the TOB Hicksville Athletic Center, TOB Ice Skating Rink in Bethpage, Massapequa Park Village Hall, and Home Depot in Syosset. Items were also dropped off at multiple Housing Authority locations throughout the County. On Monday, the Town agreed to extend its partnership with the Island Harvest organization for Hurricane Irma Relief Donations.
Spreading kindness one locker at a time PAGE 9 HS orientations smooth transitions PAGE 4