To the members of the Eastern Property Owners Association,

Tom and I are attending the School Board work session tonight and regret that we can not attend the EPOA public meeting.

We extend our thanks to the Garden City community for their tremendous support of the Budget for the 2015 – 2016 school year and for supporting the establishment of a Capital Reserve. Both initiatives received over 80% of the votes cast.

The Capital Reserve will be used to finance several major projects. These funds are already in the District’s reserves and will thus avoid the need to bond or increase the annual budget to pay for the proposed major projects. Some of the projects under consideration include replacing the turf field at the high school, installing air conditioning the high school auditorium, and several items at Stewart School including: repairs to the bus loop, sidewalk replacement, security lighting, stoop replacement in the Auditorium and renovation of the faculty bathroom. Projects under consideration at Hemlock and Locust schools include security lighting and improved ventilation. Any funds taken from the Capital Reserve must be approved by a vote of the community.

Our schools have long been recognized for their excellence in academics, extracurricular activities and athletic achievements. This year, U. S. News and World Report named Garden City as the Number 1 High School on Long Island. This is a terrific recognition of the efforts by our teachers, administrators and our parents.  

Tom and I are grateful for your support over the past three years. With our reelection, we look forward to continuing to serve on the School Board. Please join us for the many year-end events showcasing the achievements of our students including the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2015 at 10:30am on Saturday, June 27 on the High School athletic field. .

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Pinou and Bob Martin