In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the results of building assessments conducted at Montello Elementary School and the middle school, aimed at securing funding for potential school construction. The assessments, carried out by Harriman, focused on various aspects of the buildings, including architectural design, structural integrity, mechanical systems, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems.

Montello Elementary, originally designed as a middle school in 1961, has been identified as needing significant updates to meet current standards, particularly regarding ADA compliance. The assessment highlighted several areas of concern, including inadequate storage, outdated classroom configurations, and safety issues with stairways and entrances. The main entrance, which has been criticized for its accessibility challenges, was specifically noted as needing improvement.

The report detailed seven key areas of evaluation, revealing that while some structural elements, like the roof, are in good condition, many systems are outdated. For instance, the plumbing and electrical systems require upgrades to meet modern safety and efficiency standards. The fire protection systems, including the sprinkler heads, are nearing the end of their operational life and will need replacement.

Officials emphasized that despite these issues, the current facilities are deemed safe for operation, with a valid certificate of occupancy. However, they expressed concern about the long-term viability of maintaining the aging infrastructure, predicting that ongoing repairs could become financially burdensome.

The meeting concluded with a call for community awareness regarding the need for potential new construction, rather than continuous renovations, to ensure the schools can adequately serve students in the future. The next steps involve submitting the assessment findings to the state as part of the application process for funding a new school building.