MSD voters asked to accept NYS EXCEL funds for capital projects
byCarolyn James

In addition to voting on their proposed school budget for the coming year, residents in the Massapequa School District will be asked to approve accepting almost $2.7 million in New York State EXCEL funding and some additional borrowing, both of which will have no financial impact on the local tax rate. The funding is to be used to make infrastructure improvements throughout the district.

The EXCEL funds came about after the Campaign of Fiscal Equity, a not-for-profit organization that seeks educational equity in school system financing in New York City, won a court decision in which the State of New York was ordered to direct $4.7 and $5.63 billion to New York City schools. Former Governor George Pataki established the need-based EXCEL aid program, which helps not only New York City schools but also those throughout the state.

But voters in each school district must approve the state's borrowing their portion of the funds, which in Massapequa's case is $2,684,172. Under the Massapequa proposal, the district will use those funds to make capital improvements, which will be eligible for state aid reimbursment. The money the district receives in reimbursement will then be used to pay off approximately another $3 million in bonds to fund additional capital improvements.

The district plans to utilize the funds to:

+implement safety and security measures throughout the district following completion of a study on the issue;

+install elevators for handicapped accessibility at five of the six elementary schools. The sixth school, McKenna, already has an elevator;

+complete asbestos abatement of crawl spaces at several buildings.

+make district-wide technology improvements.

"All of these things are items that we could not sustain in a single budget year," explained Dr. Maureen E. Flaherty, superintendent of schools. "And I hope that the community sees the economic sense of approving the EXCEL Aid proposition."

The district said voters should be aware that the proposition is worded similar to a bond proposition, but will not cost local taxpayers any additional money if approved.

The vote is Tuesday, May 15. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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