BY JOHN NUGENT
Gaurav Passi, Manhasset’s acting school superintendent, presented a proposal to the Board of Education last Thursday for improvements to the playgrounds and playing fields at district schools.
The plan will require voter approval to spend $3.2 million from the district’s capital reserve, he said.
Passi explained that a capital reserve is surplus money in the general fund that can be used at the end of the fiscal year.
In addition to replacing and upgrading the Shelter Rock kindergarten playground, new turf fields, new lighting and replacement of sidewalks and water mains are planned at the secondary school.
Specific details of the budget presentation were outlined by Rosemary Johnson, deputy superintendent for business and operations.
Johnson stressed that the funds to be used are in the capital reserve and will not affect the 2022-23 budget or school tax levy.
The most significant expense item in the project is $1.43 million for a new multi-use field and replacement of the turf infield at the secondary school, according to Johnson.
The director of school counseling services, Joy-Anne D’Anca, introduced student scholars at the opening of the meeting.
Sofia Stefanakis, a 12th-grader, was announced as a semi-finalist in the Coca Cola scholarship competition. The Coca Cola scholarships recognize outstanding leadership and service to the school, said D’Anca.
Finalists for National Merit Scholarships were also announced by D’Anca.
The six Manhasset scholars included Amelia Harley, Wilson Hu, Stanley Hong, Rachel Lee, Dylan Wu and Aaron Joseph Zhang.
