A new and improved Massapequa is on its way!  Renovations for each of the 9 school buildings are scheduled to take place over the next few months.  Although students have already seen the beginnings of some of the projects, there are more to come being that “the bulk will be started by the end of June” according to Director of Facilities and Operations Timothy O’Donnell.  

Massapequa will be continuing in its tradition of making the district an exemplary place to live, work and learn as the planned projects are mainly focused on “enhancing the safety and security for all student and staff at each location” according to Mr. O’Donnell.  The improvements will include installing security vestibules, fire alarm systems, public address systems, intercoms, clock systems, and interior door hardware.

The security vestibules will be located in the main lobbies of each school and consist of an extra set of electronically controlled doors according to Deputy Superintendent Alan Adcock.  

In order to gain access, visitors must produce ID or a driver’s license.  Once the identification is shown to the monitor, visitors will be buzzed in.  The security vestibule “creates a waiting area before you gain access to the general part of the school building.  The safety of students and staff is our highest priority,” Mr. Adcock said.  

Back in 2014, a $35.7 million dollar bond was approved for renovations and improvements to facilities districtwide.  Many of these projects that were planned are in the process of waiting for permits.  After receiving permission, the Board of Education bids the projects to contractors and then uses the “lowest responsible bidder” Mr. O’Donnell said.  However, being that the renovations are tied to interior work, the district will be given building aid, meaning that the state will pay back 53% of the budget.    

Another long-awaited component of the roughly $7.2 million dollar endeavor will be the renovation of the girls locker room here at MHS.  Those who read the January issue of The Chief will recall an article concerning the condition of the girls’ locker room.  The summer renovations are expected to remedy some of the shortcomings students find in the locker room.  The renovations will include painting the walls and installing new lockers according to Mr. Adock.  

The renovations of the field at Berner Middle School make up a significant portion of the budget.  The football field will be redone in synthetic turf and the track will be resurfaced. which hasn’t been done in over a decade.   The bleachers will hold about 1200 people at maximum capacity.  The renovations will make the BMS field the first one in the district with the capacity for hosting county wide track meets and invitational events.  A concession stand and bathrooms will be housed in a building near the track and field.  Additionally, “high-power” lights will be installed for night games being that no residential homes are near Berner Middle School.  The BMS field complex will serve as a “satellite facility for district-wide use” according to Mr. Adcock.  

Overseeing the improvements will be H2M architects and engineers, a construction manager, school construction consultants, and Massapequa’s facilities and operations office.
Although some projects will continue into September, students and teachers can look forward to updated and more secure buildings for the 2016-2017 school year.