The Herricks Board of Education approved two labor agreements and received updates on the 2016 capital improvements bond during its June 18 meeting.

The board approved contracts between the district and Herricks Teacher’s Association non-instructional units and custodians, cleaners, maintenance staff, grounds crew, laborers, AV and computer technicians automotive unit.

Board President Jim Gounaris praised the negotiating team during talks and said the non-instructional units, which include support staff in classrooms and throughout district facilities, help make sure Herricks students get the best possible education.

The meeting is the third in a row where the board has finalized new union contracts. On May 18, the board agreed to a new contract with the United Public Service Employees Union, which represents the district’s food service unit. During its May 4 meeting, the board reached a new three-year agreement with the Herricks Teachers’ Association, the district’s local affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers. 

On Dec. 6, 2016, the district voted to approve a $25 million bond referendum that included renovations across the district. 

In 2018, Herricks High School finished installing a new turf field, grandstand press box and walking track, comfort station and sports storage building, among other projects throughout the district. The high school cafeteria and kitchen also received upgrades.

More recently, the high school unveiled a new auditorium and fitness center, the latter of which won an outstanding project award in spring 2023 that went to Patchogue-based BBS Architects, the firm handling both projects.

The remaining work to be done for the bond includes replacing the generator at the high school and masonry restorations at the community center and Shelter Rock Academy, said Steven Walsh of BBS Architects.

Walsh said both contracts have been awarded and that work will begin on June 26 and have substantial completion by August 28.

The next meeting for the Herricks Board of Education will take place on Saturday, July 1, at 10:30 a.m. at the community center, which will also be the board’s re-organization meeting.