________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Vol. 27 No. 21
Fire Dept. hosts Narcan training
Get involved in Franklin Square
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MAY 22 - 28, 2025
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Elections results are in: All school budgets passed By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Courtesy Franklin Square Public Library
The Franklin Square Public Library’s roof, last replaced in 2001, is deteriorating due to poor waterproofing, extensive ductwork, and years of leaks, prompting urgent efforts to secure funding for a full replacement.
Urgent roof repairs needed at Franklin Square Library By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Plans for a roof replacement at the Franklin Square Public Library are underway, according to Library Director Aviva Kane. While still in the early stages of securing a grant to fund the project, Kane said the library is actively working on a solution to address ongoing issues caused by the roof ’s deterioration. The library roof was last replaced in 2001 by Frendolph Construction Group, making the roof over 20 years old—the general lifespan of a roof. James Pagano, the assistant director
since 2023, said the library board at the time began reporting issues with the roof, which showed signs of failure soon after installation, to Frendolph when leaks began a year later. Frendolph failed to install a necessary layer of waterproofing, Kane explained. In 2010, solar panels were installed on the roof by a solar company, Sunstream USA, which exacerbated the ongoing leak issues. Kane, who has served as director since April 2020, described the roof as a “maze” due to the extensive ductwork and HVAC units that cover its entire surface. According to a May 2019 report by Lothrop Associates LLP Architects, a White ConTinued on Page 16
The Elmont, Franklin Square and Sewanhaka school districts passed their 2025-26 budgets in Tuesday’s annual budget vote and school board election. All three budgets and board reorganizations will go into effect July 1. The $115.2 million Elmont school district budget passed with 1,482 votes in favor and 684 against. The Elmont budget will establish new probationary teaching positions to help retain staff that are currently part of instructional programs, and open a new district-wide administrative leadership position for the English Language Learners program. New software will be implemented for districtwide employ-
ee evaluations, as well as to manage employee absences. Plans for a new science curriculum, a new theater program, telephone translation services, reading intervention resources, and GPS tracking software of the district’s bus fleet are included in the budget as well. “We thank everyone in the Elmont community who participated in today’s budget vote,” said Marlon Small, superintendent of the Elmont school district. “Their support ensures we can move forward with critical initiatives that enhance lear ning opportunities and maintain safe, welcoming schools for all our Elmont scholars.” Shirley Wheeler-Massey, Zahid Khan and Stephanie Douglas were elected to the ConTinued on Page 2
School budget results for Elmont/Franklin Sq ElMoNt UNioN FREE School FRANkliN SqUARE UNioN FREE SEwANhAkA cENtRAl hiGh ElMoNt MEMoRiAl liBRARY FRANkliN SqUARE liBRARY
√ YES 1,482 VotES X No 684 VotES √ YES 596 VotES X No 274 VotES √ YES 3,028 VotES X No 1,488 VotES √ YES 1,483 VotES X No 449 VotES √ YES 547 VotES X No 321 VotES
For more results information, go to liherald.com/Elmont