Old Woodbury School could become a library, or be torn down

What happened

The district is studying a plan with the Syosset Public Library to turn the empty Woodbury School (built in 1925, vacant since 2007) into a library branch. A study says converting it would cost about $18.5 million; tearing it down and restoring the site would cost about $3.5 million. At the Sept. 29 public session, the district said it could use about $3.5 million of its capital reserve and the library would borrow about $15.6 million.

Why it matters to families

Voters would decide the plan, and it could change library taxes (about $120 more a year for a median-value home, an estimate). If it does not go forward, the building keeps decaying or must be demolished.

The evidence

Sept. 14, 2026 minutes record the superintendent's report on the feasibility study (renovation about $18.5 million, demolition about $3.5 million, construction possibly 2028-29, both boards must pass resolutions and voters decide). The Sept. 29 recording transcript gives the $19.1 million total and $15.6 million bond estimate. These are estimates; no vote is scheduled.

The source