The proposition, if passed, would allow the district to draw from its capital reserve to fund a renovation of the Center Moriches High School’s auditorium at no additional cost to taxpayers.
The auditorium seats, according to musical theater director Nancy Harkin, are “years beyond repair” and need to be fixed.
“This is extremely meaningful for us and so important,” she said. “It’s important to come out and vote; it’s definitely a necessity for the kids and everybody. The auditorium is a meeting place for the whole school community. It’s something we should be proud of.”
The proposed project would include new auditorium seating, flooring, curtains, a fresh coat of paint, and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. Prop 2 will be for the district to use $1.2 million of the capital reserve to fund the renovation of the high school auditorium. The original reserve was approved by voters in May of 2022.
Center Moriches School District also recently released a pair of videos informing the public on Proposition 2 in the upcoming 2024-2026 proposed school district budget vote.
The reserve is funded with surplus from the previous year’s end and cannot exceed $5,000,000 at any point in time. If approved by voters, using the capital reserve will pay for projects.
The first video, titled “Capital Reserve 101,” features Center Moriches superintendent of schools Dr. Ricardo Soto and assistant superintendent for business Keri Loughlin breaking down the capital reserve in an easy-to-understand manner.
The second video, “Proposition 2: Renovating the High School Auditorium,” highlights the district’s thriving music and drama programs.
The video features clips of performing students along with interviews with the cast and director of Center Moriches High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” The video also displays the current condition of the space that features these performances.
“It is critically important [to] understand the two propositions that will be on the ballot,” said Dr. Ricardo Soto in a letter to the community.
Additionally, this budget cycle, the district is looking to fund a capital outlay project to renovate their fourth-grade girls’ bathroom, which will be fully funded by the New York State Education Department.
According to the district, the areas of enhancement in the overall budget will include technology upgrades (Chromebook charging stations, an advanced sound system for public meetings); sports intramurals during offseason and uniform replacements; funding for an elementary literacy program to enhance alignment and student achievement; and the development of an elementary report card that will improve parent-to-school communication and support.
Additionally, the budget has safety and facility improvements, including additional cameras, replacement of exterior doors, a facility supervisor that will increase accountability and greater oversight, and facility management software that will increase productivity.
The videos are currently available on the district’s website, under the “Budget & Voter” information tab, beneath the “Board of Education” dropdown.
For more information on the Center Moriches Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at cmschools.org.
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