Capital Project FAQ Document

PreK-6 FAQ Document

FMES Transportation Document

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Dear Community Members, Faculty, and Staff,

I am writing to provide an important update regarding our Capital Project, which was generously approved by the community in March 2023. This $44 million initiative aims to enhance the facilities across all three of our school buildings.

Project Overview and Current Status:

At James I. O'Neill High School, we have planned a new roof and a complete renovation of the kitchen. This kitchen is a crucial hub as it prepares meals for students not only at the high school but across the district. Highland Falls Intermediate School is also set for a roof repair and a brand new parking lot. Both JIO and HFIS will receive HVAC updates including air conditioning. 

The Fort Montgomery Elementary School (FMES) has been the primary focus of this project. FMES urgently needs additional classroom spaces to provide a fully functional Art and Library Media center and space for our faculty to serve our student needs in a more meaningful way. The project also plans to address the lack of parking for visitors. Inside the FMES, improvements will include a new nurse's office, a safety vestibule, renovations to ensure our washrooms are ADA compliant, and additional storage. Furthermore, there will be a new extension at the rear of the building that will house a new gym and cafeteria. FMES will also be upgraded with new HVAC systems, including air conditioning.

In late October 2023, the district submitted all required documentation to the State Education Department (SED) for the FMES project review. As of today, May 30, 2024, we have not yet received approval. The district has been proactive in communicating with SED and has solicited support from local legislators to advocate on our behalf, but progress has been slow. Our district, like others in NYS, is dependent on the SED approval process.

In order to adhere to budgetary constraints and project deadlines, it was imperative to initiate construction during the summer of 2024, as substantial staging and rock removal were necessary at the onset. Regrettably, a delay from the SED (State Education Department) carries considerable consequences. Failure to commence the project in 2024 may result in escalating costs, inflation, and heightened labor expenses amounting to an additional $750,000 or more.

In light of these challenges, the district has made the difficult decision to temporarily close Fort Montgomery Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year. This decision, though challenging, will enable us to begin the project in late August, pending SED approval and aim for completion by August 2025. The goal is to have the Fort Montgomery Elementary School open and fully operational for the 2025-2026 school year.

Consequently, the district will relocate students as follows for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Highland Falls Intermediate School will serve Pre-K through 6th grade.
• James I. O'Neill High School will accommodate students in grades 7-12.

These changes will be in effect for one school year only. This is a substantial undertaking, and our faculty, staff, and administrative team are committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Over the three months, we will release transition updates to address any questions or concerns. The first update will be sent out on the afternoon of Friday, June 14th.  If you have questions or concerns, we ask that you email them to capitalproject24-25@hffmcsd.org. In addition, we have provided an FAQ page regarding the relocation on the district’s website.  I encourage everyone to read the FAQ page before posing a question or concern, as there is a lot of information on this document and will continually be updated.  Please visit www.hffmcsd.org and click on Capital Project 24-25 under Quick Links.

End-of-Year Schedule Adjustments:

In order to efficiently manage this significant task, it is essential that we begin classroom packing for our faculty and staff prior to the end of the current school year. We have scheduled six half-days at the conclusion of the school year for both FMES and HFIS. Lunch will be provided for all students in grades PreK-8 except on June 26th. The specific dates and times for the half-days are outlined below:

• • Monday, June 17th
  • Tuesday, June 18th
  • Friday, June 21st
  • Monday, June 24th
  • Tuesday, June 25th
    • Pre-K 11:00 am
    • K-8 11:30 am

• ***Wednesday, June 26th*** (last day of school)

• • Pre-K 10:00 am
  • K-8 10:30 am

We acknowledge that these adjustments may result in additional challenges for families, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption it may bring. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this complex but necessary process to improve our school facilities for the benefit of our students and community.

Sincerely,

Michael McElduff

Superintendent of Schools

Update Letter July 2024

Notice of Construction 9/2024

November 2, 2024

Dear Highland Falls - Fort Montgomery CSD Community, 

As we enter the holiday season of the 2024-2025 school year, I am excited to share the latest updates on our ongoing Capital Project, which is positively transforming all three of our district buildings. This project is critical to the future of our schools, and we are immensely grateful for the community’s continued support in making these essential upgrades and improvements possible. Through these efforts, we are not only modernizing our facilities but also creating much-needed space at FMES to better serve our students.

Project Updates

JIO HFIS: We have reached substantial completion on the roofing projects at both HFIS and JIO. The roofing team began metal finishing work around the roofs this week, following a two-week delay due to supply chain issues with the metal materials. Demobilization has been underway for the past two weeks and will continue as the finishing work is completed.

FMES: Interior and exterior demolition at FMES, including ceilings, flooring, walls, and plumbing removal, has been completed. Rock hammering is currently in progress to prepare space for the new addition at the rear of the building, and we anticipate the footings for this addition will be installed in the coming weeks. Additionally, ductwork and electrical installations are ongoing throughout the building, keeping us on track for our targeted completion date of August 1, 2025.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about the Capital Project at capitalproject24-25@hffmcsd.org. We will continue to provide monthly updates as the project advances. We have also included several photos in the email. Thank you for your steadfast support, and I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend and this beautiful autumn weather.

Warm regards,

Michael McElduff
Superintendent of Schools

Update Letter

The Highland Falls Fort Montgomery Central School District

2023 Proposed Capital Project Referendum

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Voters to decide on $44.4 million capital improvement project on March 28 

On Tuesday, March 28, Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District residents will go to the polls to vote on a proposed capital project totaling $44,435,600. If approved, the project will address various necessary internal and external building improvements. 

After months of research and planning, the district’s facilities committee identified the most essential needs to be addressed through this project, which include: 

• failing building, heating and cooling systems, electrical upgrades, and other infrastructure needs at each of our school buildings
• roof replacements at the Highland Falls Intermediate School and James I. O'Neill High School
• drainage and paving of parking areas at the Highland Falls Intermediate School and the Fort Montgomery Elementary School
• kitchen renovations at James I. O’Neill High School
• accessibility for individuals with disabilities at Fort Montgomery Elementary School
• security and safety enhancements at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School; and 
• gymnasium, kitchen and art/media space enhancements at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School. 

Learn more in person:  Attend an upcoming public presentation to learn more and ask questions about the proposed capital project. The following public presentations will take place at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School:

• March 8 at 7 p.m. 
• March 18 at 10 a.m. 
• March 22 at 7 p.m.
• March 25 at 10 a.m. 

The capital project is designed to have no financial increase on taxpayers by taking advantage of aid that New York State offers to encourage communities to maintain their schools. 

If approved by voters, most of the work would be completed during the summer of 2024 through the fall of 2025. 

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Highland Falls Intermediate School (52 Mountain Avenue, Highland Falls.)

For more information about the capital project, contact capitalproject2023@hffmcsd.org.

 

 

 

 

Scope of Work and Project Timeline

Fort Montgomery Elementary School Alterations

$5,177,353 (includes escalation) 

• Updating the school’s building management system, a computer-based control system that needs to be installed within buildings to monitor and regulate the building's electrical equipment, lighting and ventilation 
• Updating plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms in the ‘93 wing
• Enhancing the building’s main entrance to ensure accessibility for all visitors 
• Installing a two-sided elevator to ensure accessibility for all visitors 
• Installing a wheelchair accessible ramp past the lower level stairs 
• Replacing all older electrical panels which are past their useless life
• Replacing hot water pump and air separation systems
• Replacing classroom unit ventilators and adding air conditioning 
• Replacing the cafeteria’s air handling unit 
• Replacing various light fixtures

Fort Montgomery Elementary School Additions

$6,448,087 (includes escalation)

• Creating a new, larger multipurpose room (gymnasium/cafeteria) with a warming kitchen
• Renovating the existing multipurpose room to create a Library-Media Center as well as learning spaces for classrooms that are currently displaced, such as art, music, and some instructional support services.
• Renovating the existing kitchen area to create a new, larger health office for the nurse.

Highland Falls Intermediate School Alterations

$11,559,079 (includes escalation)

• Updating the school’s building management system, a computer-based control system that needs to be installed within buildings to monitor and regulate the building's electrical equipment, lighting and ventilation 
• Reconstructing the main parking lot and replacing its insufficient draining system 
• Replacing areas of the roof that are lifting up, sinking down and/or are letting water seep through 
• Installing air conditioning in the kitchen and areas of the basement 
• Upgrading various antiquated heating and cooling systems 

James I. O’Neill High School Alterations

$14,296,330 (includes escalation)

• Updating the school’s building management system, a computer-based control system that needs to be installed within buildings to monitor and regulate the building's electrical equipment, lighting and ventilation 
• Renovating the kitchen, replacing 30+ year old equipment and updating its plumbing 
• Replacing areas of the roof on both the A-Wing and the B-Wing that are lifting up, sinking down and/or are letting water seep through 
• Installing air conditioning to the gymnasium’s rooftop unit and various classrooms
• Upgrading various heating and cooling systems and electrical panels to correct the uneven temperatures throughout the building 

Referendum at-a-glance

• Project total: $44,435,600
• Portion covered by state aid: 82.9% (for every $100 of aidable work, the district will receive $82.90 back)
• Portion covered by capital reserve: $8,810,000 
• Portion covered by debt reserves:  $755,287
• Additional borrowing from residents: $0

Proposed capital project timeline 

• Community vote: March 2023 
• Design development and review: Spring-Summer 2023
• NYSED review and approval process: Fall-Winter 2023 
• Bidding period: Winter-Spring 2023/2024
• Award of contracts: By Spring 2024
• Construction phase: Summer 2024-Fall 2025
• Project completion: By November 2025 

Voter Information

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Highland Falls Intermediate School (52 Mountain Avenue, Highland Falls.)

Eligible voters must be a U.S. citizen, registered to vote, at least 18 years old and a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote.

District residents who are registered to vote in a general election or who have voted on the school budget in the last four years are automatically registered to vote. Others can register to vote on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Highland Falls Library, 298 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY 10928.

To vote by absentee ballot, you must fill out an application. Contact the district office at (845) 446-9575 to obtain an application. If you want your ballot mailed to you, your application must be returned to the district office no more than (30) days and at least (7) days prior to the vote on March 28. If you plan to pick up your ballot, your application must be received by March 27. All absentee ballots must be returned to the district office by 5 p.m., March 28. 

Much of the work outlined in the project proposal calls for necessary updates to all three school buildings’ heating, cooling, water and/or electrical systems. Also included in the proposal are several important, timely upgrades to the Fort Montgomery Elementary School, such as:

• providing ADA access to the building at the front entrance for individuals with disabilities or injuries 
• repaving the existing parking lot and bus loop and adding 18-20 additional parking spots to eliminate congestion
• creating a new multipurpose room (gymnasium/cafeteria) with a warming kitchen
• renovating the existing gym into learning spaces for art and music and a library media center 
• renovating the kitchen into a new nurse’s office, thus allowing the school nurse to have adequate space to care for multiple children at a time

If the capital project is not approved, issues that the district has been experiencing within all of the buildings will continue.  A number of these have the potential to disrupt the educational process. The district must eventually address these issues as more costly emergency situations and/or to propose another capital project at a later date. A defeated capital project would also mean that visitors at the elementary school may struggle with inaccessible access to our building, bathrooms, and classes. Additionally, elementary students would miss out on opportunities that are possible through enhancements to the gym and cafeteria.

Highland Falls - Fort Montgomery CSD

Proposed Capital Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 3.4.2023

 

GENERAL 

 

1. Why is it necessary to approve the capital improvement project bond?

New York State requires voter approval to create a capital reserve.  The voters in the community have approved reserves most recently in 2015 and 2020.  The Board appropriates excess reserves to capital reserves to create a “savings account” to address long term capital project needs.  

 

Once funds are appropriated into a capital reserve, a vote, often referred to as a referendum, is required to authorize the use of those monies for a capital project.  This last happened in 2017 when the voters approved the use of $4.3 million in reserves to fund the James I. O’Neill project.

 

Monitoring capital investments and safety devices ensures that critical infrastructure is routinely maintained or replaced before an emergency failure occurs.  Much like our own homes, school buildings require necessary repairs, mechanical system replacements, and educational enhancements to produce an optimal learning environment for our students and staff. 

 

2. Why is the referendum being put forth this year?

The Board of Education adopted a set of goals that are aimed at constant improvement of our district.  One of those goals was to 

 

“develop and present to the voters a plan for a Capital Project at the FMES which also addresses facilities and infrastructure needs throughout the District without an increase in the tax levy due to this work.”  

 

A capital project is the next step in the District’s long term capital improvement plan.  Consideration of facilities needs and planning for this work has been part of the Board of Education’s adopted goals for years.  From a financial perspective, the District has been planning for these needs through the establishment and funding of capital reserves, with the most recent reserve established in 2020.  

Working with our financial consultants, it was determined that this would be an opportune time to proceed with a capital project that could be accomplished without the need for additional new taxes to be raised. This is because the district has previous bond obligations that are being paid off.   New bonding for this project, along with our capital reserve funds, will allow us to pay for this project without having to raise any additional funds through taxes. 

Capital planning is an ongoing process.  Districts that are foresighted work to put forth a project every three to five years to address important needs of the district’s buildings, much like preventative maintenance done on a home or vehicle. 

 

By planning for this work, the District has created a situation where this essential work can be accomplished while not raising taxes.  This follows on the heels of a successful project that was approved in 2017 which significantly upgraded the facilities at James I. O’Neill High School while remaining tax neutral.  

 

3. Why is this vote being held in March as opposed to May along with the annual school budget vote?

The sooner the voters authorize the capital improvement project, the sooner a  shovel can be placed into the ground.  The two months between March and May are critical in order to take advantage of the important summer months in 2024, while school is out of session.  Once school resumes, construction must be scaled-down so as not to negatively impact instruction.  

 

In addition, the project is timed and will be phased to begin in the spring of 2024 in order to realize the benefit of approximately $750,000 of debt falling off in June of 2024.  This is similar to a situation in a family where a car is paid off and the family allocates that payment towards future car needs.  In this case, the debt “payment” will be applied to this project in order to allow the work to be completed while not resulting in an increase in taxes.

 

4. If the capital improvement project is approved, when would construction begin and what is the timeline for completion?

There are many required steps to be taken after voter approval but before construction can begin, including the formulation of detailed designs and construction documents, New York State Education Department (NYSED) review and approval, as well as, the competitive bidding process and mobilization.  It is anticipated that construction would begin in late spring 2024.  Construction would likely take place over a two-year period.

 

5. Will all of the school buildings see upgrades and work?

Each of the schools in the District will have upgrades and enhancements.  These upgrades are critical to maintaining the instructional environment for our children and to minimize disruptions which could occur if systems fail.  These include heating and ventilation as well as electrical upgrades in all buildings, as well as significant upgrades at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School, including the addition of a new gymnasium/cafeteria.

 

6. How were the project priorities selected?

The highest priority repairs and improvements were identified in the District’s recently completed Building Condition Survey report, which is a mandated assessment of school facilities, completed every five years by professional architects and engineers.  In addition to these required repairs and improvements, the Facilities Committee was charged with identifying facility improvements which impact our instruction.  The Facilities Committee reported in public on its work throughout the fall of 2022.  During this time, the scope was reviewed and revised.  The Board of Education approved the final scope of capital improvements on January 19th of this year.  

 

7. Haven’t we been maintaining our buildings and facilities all along?

The District does ongoing, routine maintenance every year.  The proposed upgrades and enhancements are not “routine maintenance.”  They are a series of higher-cost prioritized needs which fall outside the definition of routine maintenance.  

 

8. What would happen if the referendum does not pass?

The repairs and critical infrastructure improvements identified in the Building Condition Survey are items that must be completed in order for the school buildings to remain functional.  If the referendum does not pass, the systems which are failing will continue to fail.  

 

Necessary repairs would need to be performed within the District’s annual operating budget, resulting in a reduction to the instructional budget.  If forced into this approach, this work would not be eligible for NYS Building Aid and local taxpayers would be left to pay the full cost of the required repairs.

 

9. How can I find more information about the project?

The District is planning a number of presentations on the project.  The community is invited to attend these upcoming public presentations to learn more and ask questions about the proposed capital project.
 

They will take place at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School in the multi-purpose room:

• Wednesday, March 8th at 7 p.m. 

• Saturday, March 18th at 10 a.m. 

• Wednesday, March 22nd at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, March 25th at 10 a.m.

 

10. How do I find out more about voting on the project?

District residents who are registered to vote in a general election or who have voted on the school budget in the last four years are automatically registered to vote. Others can register to vote on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the office of the District Clerk, Dawn Lent, at 21 Morgan Road, Highland Falls. Proof of residency is required.

 

To vote by absentee ballot, you must fill out an application. Contact the district office at (845) 446-9575 to obtain an application. If you want your ballot mailed to you, your application must be returned to the district office no more than (30) days and at least (7) days prior to the vote on March 28th. If you plan to pick up your ballot, your application must be received by March 27th. All absentee ballots must be returned to the district office by 5 p.m., March 28th. 

 

11. What is the timeline of the proposed project?

The timeline for the proposed project is as follows:

• Community Vote - March 2023

• Design Development & Review - Spring-Summer 2023

• NYSED Review & Approval Process - Fall-Winter 2023

• Bidding Period - Winter-Spring 2023/2024

• Award of Contracts - By Spring 2024

• Construction Phase - Summer 2024-Fall 2025

• Anticipated Project Completion - By November 2025

 

FINANCIALS

 

1. What impact would the project have on the “Tax Cap”?

This project has been developed to be TAX NEUTRAL, meaning that this work would not result in an increase in the District’s “Tax Cap” as defined in the New York State “Tax Cap” formula.  This work will not result in an increase in taxes.  

 

2. How is the District utilizing the Capital Reserve to offset future borrowing costs?

The District currently has $8,810,000 in its Capital Reserve.  These monies will be applied to the cost of this project.

 

3. Will the state pay for any of this work?

The District has a building aid ratio of 82.9.  This means that the District will receive 82.9% in New York State Building Aid for all aidable work.  The project has been developed to maximize the amount of aid for the work.  

 

4. How is the District able to take on this additional debt?

As of June 30, 2022, the District’s statutory debt limit, pursuant to Local Finance Law, permits borrowing up to $51,609,742.  The District’s current indebtedness stands well within the statutory debt limit at approximately $15,165,000.  Even if the entirety of the cost of the work was borrowed “up front,” the District would still be under its debt limit.  

5. In general, why do school renovation projects cost so much?

School buildings receive a lot of wear and tear over the years from students, visitors and staff members. To prevent class interruptions, projects are often squeezed into the competitive summer building season.  For some parts of a project, work may be scheduled during the school year, but during the “second shift.”  This adds to the cost of that part of a project.  

In addition, state laws that place restrictions on the bidding process, commonly known as the Wicks Law) which requires multiple bids for the different trades, including general construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.  Due to the nature of our project, there will also be a separate bid for site work.  There are also requirements for strict compliance with wage rates as established by the NYS Department of Labor. 

All of these things can make projects cost more for a school district than for the average business. Lastly, as you all know, the complications from the pandemic have drastically changed the cost of materials and lead times to obtain materials.  This can lead to cost escalations.  Working with our construction management team, our architects, and our financial planners, we have taken these variables into  account and our project reflects the best planning, including anticipated time escalation due to timing.  

6. What is the District’s bond rating?

In its most recent determination, Moody’s Investor Service affirmed the District’s “A1” bond rating.  Our rating is better than the median rating of school districts nationwide, which is reflected in the lower interest rates achieved in the competitive sale of its previous serial bonds.

 

THE BUILDING CONDITION SURVEY

 

1. What is a Building Condition Survey (BCS)?

The BCS is the most critical component of NYSED Office of Facilities Planning regulations, intended to provide school districts with information on the current condition of their school buildings.  It is a mandated assessment of school buildings performed every five years by licensed architects and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) engineers, identifying necessary improvements.  School districts are then required to make the necessary improvements in order to maintain safe and healthy school environments for New York’s public-school children.  

 

2. When was the District’s most recent BCS performed?

The most recent BCS was performed during Fall 2022, evaluating necessary infrastructure repairs and mechanical system replacements.  Those items were assigned priority ratings based on NYSED guidelines, and reviewed in great detail by the District’s Facilities Planning Task Force.

 

3. Who did the BCS?

The District’s Architectural and Engineering Firm, BCA Architects and Engineers performed the BCS.  The scope of work was reviewed by District personnel and our Construction Management team, TRITON, to ensure pricing estimates were in line with current market conditions.  Our Financial Planning partners, Rick Timbs, Inc., worked with us to develop a plan for this work utilizing capital reserves, maximizing New York State building aid, and not increasing taxes.  

 

4. What types of improvements are included in this project?

This project includes the most pertinent items identified in the District’s Building Condition Survey, such as roof repairs, boiler replacements, mechanical system upgrades, and repairs to parking lots and drainage.  In addition, the project includes significant ADA and security upgrades at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School as well as an addition which would create a new gymnasium/cafeteria.  The existing gymnasium/cafeteria would be renovated into instructional space, including a library and music/art room.  The kitchen at James I. O'Neill High School would also undergo a thorough renovation.

 

THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

 

1. Why are you planning on the addition of a new gymnasium/cafeteria?

Over the past 8 years, the District has added six new classes at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School, including two PreKindergarten classes and a special education class.  This, in addition to one additional section of Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade, resulted in the repurposing of the music/art room, the library, and the computer lab.  In addition, office spaces were carved out of two classrooms to accommodate speech and social worker services.  The plan for the project is to add a new gymnasium/cafeteria and renovate the existing gymnasium/cafeteria into a library media center, art/music room, and an instructional support classroom.  The current kitchen will be renovated into a larger health office with upgraded bathrooms.  

 

2. What are you doing to address the lack of parking at the Fort School?

With the addition of new sections and programs to benefit our students, the District also expanded the number of faculty and staff at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School.  In addition, the District added an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy to each of our buildings to support and protect our children and our faculty and staff.  Every one of those enhancements has been to the benefit of our students and our program.  They have also resulted in a shortage of parking at the school.  

 

The project includes the addition of 18-20 parking spots at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School as well as drainage work and repaving of the existing parking lot.  This will alleviate some of the parking pressure that has developed over the past few years and will allow for parking for all faculty and staff as well as visitors throughout the school day.  

 

3. What other major repairs are planned as part of this project?

The project includes a great deal of infrastructure work to support other upgrades to each of the buildings.  Electrical panels will be upgraded in the buildings in order to meet the demands for the HVAC upgrades.  Each of the buildings will have upgrades or replacements in the heating and cooling systems and the project calls for all of the buildings to have air conditioning installed in the classrooms and learning spaces.  

 

The roof systems at both the Highland Falls Intermediate School and the James I. O'Neill High School are past their serviceable life and are beginning to fail.  This project will address these issues in order to protect the facilities beneath them. 

 

The Fort Montgomery Elementary School will see significant upgrades in terms of accessibility.  Currently, the interior space of the building does not allow individuals with mobility disabilities to access all of the spaces.  We have, in the past, had students who needed to be shuttled from area to area in order to have them be able to fully participate in the program.  That is just not acceptable.  We will install ramps and lifts inside the building in order to provide access and improve our ability to work with our students.  Accessibility to the front of the building will be improved with a new ADA ramp.

 

Another enhancement at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School is the creation of a secure vestibule at the main entrance.  This will allow for visitors to the school to be appropriately screened without having full access to the building.  

 

Like the parking lot at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School, the parking lot at the Highland Falls Intermediate School will be replaced and new drainage will be designed and installed to alleviate the issues which caused the degradation of the asphalt over the past ten or so years.  

 

The kitchen at the  James I. O'Neill High School will be fully renovated, including new plumbing and electrical equipment as well as new cooking equipment.  The kitchen has met the basic needs of the District as the main cooking kitchen for all three buildings, but the equipment is failing.  In addition, there is inadequate equipment to meet the needs of the food service program.  While there are warming ovens and a griddle, there is not a stove.  Our dedicated team of workers have made the best of this situation for many, many years, but the inadequate equipment limits the ability of our team to cook fresh, wholesome meals for our students.  

 

4. Why don’t you just fix the elementary school on Mountain Avenue?

The facilities committee considered many factors prior to deciding to renovate Fort Montgomery Elementary School.  Among these were the condition of the Highland Falls Elementary School after thirteen years of vacancy, already congested traffic on Mountain Avenue, timing of transportation (bus routes), and financial viability.  While each of those things ultimately pointed in the direction of renovating and adding to the Fort Montgomery Elementary School, a key factor was financial viability.  Every building in the District has what are known as aid units.  These, generally, refer to the amount of New York State Building Aid that could be generated from construction.  A number of things are generally constant, such as high schools tending to generate more aid than middle or elementary schools.  Another known fact is that a closed building has nearly no aidability.  The District could do a project at the HFES, but that would generate no aid and the cost would be paid solely by the taxpayers.  In addition, to reopen the HFES as a school would likely require demographic studies that looked back at the past five to ten years as well as projected forward.  Given enrollment trends throughout the region, it is possible that the state would not approve a project at the HFES, even if aid was not an issue, which it is.

 

5. So what are you doing about the Highland Falls Elementary School?

State Senator James Skoufis has applied for a Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) grant which will enable the District to bring the heat and the water systems back to operation.  These grants take time to fund and we are hopeful that we will be able to get this work done in the next year or two.  Once the heat and water are working, the District will be able to consider uses of the building.  Significant renovations will be needed and these will be done over time as space from the building is needed or sought.  It is anticipated that the building will remain an asset to the District and to the community.  In the short term, the District will be disposing of a decade’s worth of accumulated obsolete materials, broken or damaged furniture and supplies which are stored there.  

 

6. Didn’t you just do a project at O’Neill?  Why didn’t you take care of the O’Neill things at that time?

The project at James I. O’Neill, which addressed significant needs in terms of drainage, paving, and exterior lighting, classroom spaces, ADA upgrades, renovations to the outdated and obsolete physical education spaces inside the building and failed athletic fields, courts, and track, was based on the 2015 BCS.  Many of the items on the list for the 2022 BCS had ten-year life expectancies when the scope of the 2017 project was proposed.  The plan for that work was developed between the summer of 2015 and spring of 2017.  Nearly ten years have passed since that BCS and by the time this work is complete, more than ten years will have passed.  In addition, as the committee looked to upgrade HVAC systems throughout the other two buildings, it was necessary to look at the systems at O’Neill.  This project will address this system and, in doing so, necessitates additional electrical work at the building.

 

For information purposes, the inclusion of work at the Highland Falls Intermediate School and the James I. O’Neill High School increased the total aidability of this project.  It is likely that if those buildings were not included in the scope of this project, the cost of work at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School would have exceeded the ability of the District to perform it, based on the Capital Reserves and the aidability, without adding to the tax burden of the community.  By including the HFIS and JIO, more work could be done at all buildings while keeping this project tax neutral.  

 

Letter

Presentation