Leading off today: The Auburn school board has approved sending a $15.7 million proposal for school renovations to voters on June 26,
The Auburn Citizen reported today. The project includes an overhaul of Holland Stadium and the installation of artificial turf, which has become a hot topic nationally this spring.
Holland Stadium accounts for about $3.5 million of the overall project. District superintendent Joseph "J.D." Pabis said a fund-raising drive to cover local taxpayers' $150,000 share of the artificial turf is nearly complete. On Monday, state Sen. Michael F. Nozzolio said he has arranged $50,000 in state funding. Earlier, Assemblyman Gary Finch arranged $5,000 in state money.
Philip W. Wise, a principal with the Rochester-based SWBR Architects with whom the district contracts, addressed concerns related to the decision Monday by Cicero-North Syracuse officials to close their turf-field stadium due to possible high levels of lead in turf fibers.
“We will make sure there are no products that are hazardous to our students,” he said.
Northport's plans: The Northport-East Northport Board of Education adopted a $143.3 million 2008-09 budget last week that incorporates recommendations by AD Drew Cronin to create six additional middle-school teams and hire three assistant basktball and wrestling coaches for the high school.
