Massapequa bond projects on schedule and about $1 million under budget, district says

The Massapequa Union Free School District reported progress on capital projects funded by the 2023 bond and related capital reserves, the district’s facilities presenter said, noting the work is “right on time” and approximately “about a million dollars under budget.”

Why it matters: The bond funded multiple infrastructure projects across the district’s schools — roofs, boilers, playgrounds, heating systems and energy-efficiency measures — and the district said completed work should reduce operating risk and insurance exposure while creating new revenue from a leased facility.

Facilities update: Mr. Ruff (district facilities presenter) summarized summer work and near-term projects. He said the district replaced roofs at multiple buildings including Massapequa High School, Berner Middle School and Fairfield Elementary. “As you could imagine, we had a very busy summer,” he said, and added that the bond-funded work also included boiler replacements funded through both the capital reserve and bond funds.

Playgrounds and large spaces: The district replaced main playground equipment at 11 of 12 playgrounds and updated surfaces, Mr. Ruff said, and he highlighted new safety surfacing visible to students. He said the district is also completing air-conditioning projects for large spaces such as the Ames High School cafeteria and noted that New York State has shifted requirements toward providing cooling for large spaces on hot days.

Underground tanks and insurance: The district said it abated most underground fuel oil storage tanks that had exceeded 30 years and that removing or filling those tanks reduced insurance premiums and environmental risk. One underground tank remains at the grounds building and will be removed when heating is converted as part of the energy-performance contract.

Hawthorne lease and other work: The district described Hawthorne building work (phase 1 completed, phase 2 awarded in September). The upgrades allow a lease to Nassau BOCES; rent payments are scheduled to begin July 1, 2026. ‘‘It’s a home run because we’re providing a great facility for special needs students across Long Island,’’ Mr. Ruff said, and added the district expects rent payments to exceed the debt principal and interest tied to that project.

Planned work: Solar panels will begin delivery for roofs already restored, lighting and steam-trap replacements are planned, and two Berner science labs are to be bid in January. Mr. Ruff said the district had secured favorable rates for the energy-performance contract and that spring sports lighting and other smaller capital reserve items were also scheduled.

Budget and schedule: ‘‘So overall, we are tracking about a million dollars under budget,’’ Mr. Ruff told the board. He said careful planning and scheduling — complicated by occupied buildings and the school calendar — have kept projects on track.

What the board did: The board heard the update and thanked staff; no new bond referendum was proposed at the meeting. Board members acknowledged the report and praised staff for oversight.

Ending: The district said it will continue periodic public updates on bond-funded projects; details about final costs and completed punch-list items will be reported in subsequent facilities updates.