CM Schools bond vote fails for the second time

Earlier this year, the Center Moriches School District presented a modified and scaled-back $13.9 million proposal. The revote took place on March 19 at the Clayton Huey Main Street gym and resulted in another failure with 434 no votes to 277 yes votes.

“While we are disappointed the community did not support our recent bond proposal, we certainly understand why our residents are sensitive to increases in local property taxes,” said superintendent of schools Dr. Ronald Masera.

The board of education, he said, will now reflect further and make determinations on a path forward to address the necessary repairs to their infrastructure.

Projects, in the revised bond proposal, were to include sidewalks, asphalt, American Disabilities Act compliance, security upgrades, boiler replacement, and crawlspace abatement at Clayton Huey; and sidewalks, asphalt, auditorium renovation, roof replacement, boiler and storage tank replacement, security upgrades, interior renovations relating to health and safety, window/wall replacement, and outdoor track replacement at the middle school/high school.

According to the district, due to the smaller scaled projects the proposal was expected to be completed within two to three years, depending on state permitting.

The district also noted that all included projects were aidable at the 78 percent building aid rate. The cost equates to $0.22 cents on the dollar to get all projects completed. The estimate on taxpayers was about $200/average taxpayer in total at conclusion of all work.

The school district hosted the original $45 million bond vote on Oct. 24, 2023, for two phases of projects, including major building upgrades as well as a turf football field. The vote ultimately failed, with 341 yes votes to 610 no votes for Proposition 1, and 258 yes votes to 690 no votes for Proposition 2.

For more information on the revised proposal visit: https://www.cmschools.org/district/bond.