The East Meadow School District is encouraging residents to vote on Thursday, March 5, 2026, on the financing of comprehensive capital improvements through a bond referendum.
The proposed project includes improvements for every building throughout the district, centered on security upgrades, athletics and the arts. The total cost of the proposal is $71.5 million and would be financed through a bond.
At its highest cost, the bond would cost $31.86 annually for the average homeowner in the district. Because existing district debt is scheduled to expire during the life of the bond, residents would see decreases in some years.
Polls will be open on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all district elementary schools. Residents should vote at their local elementary school.
The bond would allow the district to finance new security vestibules at each building to strengthen controlled access and provide an added layer of protection for students and staff, and interior door locks would be changed. Additionally, the fire alarm systems in each building would be replaced and brought up to code.
The capital improvement plan also includes a series of athletic facility upgrades designed to improve safety, durability and year-round usability. At East Meadow High School, the project calls for the installation of new synthetic-turf fields on the existing baseball, softball and practice fields.
The plan also would involve the construction of new bleachers, a press box and lighting at the football field as well as new concession stand, with restrooms. In addition, the project would see the renovation of some existing locker rooms that are used by students for physical education classes as well as visiting athletes.
At W.T. Clarke middle and high schools, turf fields would be added onto the softball, practice and multi-purpose fields. New bleachers and lighting would be installed on the football field, to expand the district’s ability to host events and maximize facility usage. Restrooms would be built in an existing structure at the Clarke High School athletic complex, and synthetic-turf baseball and multi-purpose fields would be installed at the Salisbury School.
Woodland Middle School would see the construction of new turf baseball, softball and football fields, and new bleachers would be installed at the football stadium.
The East Meadow School District has hosted several information sessions on the bond since it was announced in January.
Recordings of Board of Education meetings where it was discussed can be found on the district’s YouTube page.
All information related to the bond, including a detailed list of projects included for each building and additional financial information, can be found on the district’s website, EMUFSD.us.
East Meadow officials thanked all residents in advance for their participation in the vote.
