I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to attend the upcoming East Williston School District Board of Education Monthly Business meeting to be held on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 7:30 PM in Room 450 in The Wheatley School.

You no doubt have noticed that we are undergoing some much needed repair and renovation to the North Side facilities.  Last summer we gave The Wheatley School a new roof; it is now North Side’s turn for a makeover this summer. Most of this work was made possible through the February 2009 bond.  We also obtained $450,000 in targeted grants from Senator Craig Johnson for the North Side playground and parking lot, repair and resurfacing of the Wheatley track and repair and resurfacing of Willets Road parking lot. Plans for the playground were presented to the Board of Education and additional funds were raised by the PTO. We hope to break ground soon and complete the playground by early fall.

When the East Williston Board of Education met with Village Trustees of East Williston in the fall of 2007 they highlighted the poor drainage conditions existing at North Side and the lack of adequate parking on and around that campus.  Since that time we have installed dry wells to begin to address the drainage and have noticed substantial improvements. We also made a commitment to the community that we would seek their input prior to beginning the plans for the parking lot.  On August 2^nd, you will have an opportunity to speak to the board about the possible expansion of the North Side lot and/or the paving of the area south of the lot, on Downing Street. 

We will be deliberating on and setting the tax levy for the 2010-11 school year at this meeting, as well. Prior to setting this year’s tax levy, the Board of Education will lead an informed discussion on reserves with members of the Financial Advisory Committee and the district’s financial advisor. I hope you will join us at the board meeting.

  I know that the summer is a great time for entertaining your friends and family and apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause your families. We are trying to take advantage of the good weather and, therefore, need to concentrate our efforts when school is out. Please pardon our appearance as we work to prepare for an Opening Day worthy of our wonderful students.