Parents mobilize to get out the vote for W.H. bond referendum

Slowly but surely, the “Vote Yes” lawn signs are popping up all over West Hempstead.

In an effort to get out the vote — and encourage people to vote yes — on a $35 million bond referendum to renovate and reconstruct West Hempstead schools, a group of 30 parents in the hamlet have mobilized to inform, educate and ask residents to approve of a bond they say is greatly needed for West Hempstead’s schools. The bond is up for vote on Tuesday, March 15.

The group is making a concerted effort to spread the word about the bond, which has been reduced by $11 million from the original bond, which was overwhelmingly defeated last year on November 17.

The current bond, school officials and parents say, is necessary for crucial capital improvements to the schools, which must also make changes dictated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first bond included the demolition of the Marion Delaney School, and the creation of athletic fields on its land. The March 15 vote does not include any work on that school.

Rich Mummendey, a parent in West Hempstead, is hoping the group’s efforts pay off. “Our “Vote Yes” committee was formed around mid February and we’ve been at it ever since,” said Mummendey, “but now you’re going to actually see our efforts out in the neighborhood,” he said. “We’ll be doing door-to-door campaigns, lawn signs, flyers and will be in front of businesses on the Saturday and Sunday before the vote. We’ll also be at the train stations on the day of the vote. The group will have a presence at all three train stations in the district: West Hempstead, Hempstead Gardens and Lakeview.

According to press materials from the school distinct, building tours have been given to residents to show the work needed to maintain the schools, and the total cost to the average homeowner is approximately $285 per year or 78¢ per day. Approximately 35 percent of the total cost will be funded through New York State Building Aid, drastically reducing the cost to taxpayers. Essentially, the district’s taxpayers will only be paying for 65 percent of the total cost. This means $35.5 million worth of work will ultimately cost taxpayers approximately $23 million.