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District construction team outlines summer pack‑out, asbestos abatement and Aug. substantial‑completion targets
Summary
Consultants from Clark Patterson Lee and district staff said phase 1 and 2 classroom and systems upgrades will begin late June, with districtwide asbestos abatement planned July 5–19 and substantial completion of major work in late August; teachers raised concerns about time to unpack and access for superintendent conference days.
Consultants from Clark Patterson Lee and district staff told the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education on Monday that a coordinated summer construction plan will start in late June, include districtwide asbestos abatement in July and aim for substantial completion of primary renovation work in late August.
The presentation, led by Mike Bogle of Clark Patterson Lee and Lisa Falcioni of Clark Patterson Lee, outlined start dates, abatement windows and a pack‑out plan for Tappan Zee High School, William O. Shafer/Cottage Lane and other buildings. "Green paper tonight means things are on track," Bogle said at the start of the presentation.
The consultants said William O. Shafer work will begin June 27 and substantially complete by Aug. 23; phase 2 at Tappan Zee High School has a similar June 27 start and a target substantial completion one day earlier, Aug. 22. Districtwide asbestos abatement is scheduled for July 5–19; the team said buildings will be sectioned so 60–80% of space remains accessible while work continues in construction zones.
Why it matters: the scope affects teacher access, summer programs and camp use of school facilities. Consultants described a staged pack‑out that begins with trailers arriving in mid‑May, box distribution and phased equipment removal (smart boards, phones, wireless access) prior to the heavy summer work.
District staff and consultants said specific actions taken over spring break put the program ahead of schedule in several locations, including gym HVAC duct work, boiler demolition and corridor preparations at the high school. The team showed photos of completed work and temporary floors installed in two classrooms after asbestos abatement over spring break.
Teachers and board members pressed for clarity on the schedule and the time available for staff to unpack classroom materials. Several teachers said three calendar days before students arrive—after cleaning and superintendent conference days—felt insufficient to unpack boxes and set up classrooms; one teacher said, "it's not enough time." Board Trustee Mr. Finn and consultants acknowledged the concern and said the facilities committee will revisit timelines and incorporate teacher input and additional scheduled hours beyond the two superintendent conference days.
Consultants also described logistics to limit summer disruption: staggered contractor footprints, cleaners scheduled through the summer, moving crews and third‑party contractors to remove audiovisual equipment ahead of major demolition, and a plan for walkthroughs. The team offered to schedule a mid‑summer tour and an August pre‑opening walkthrough for teachers to verify spaces before students return.
Phase 3 planning: Lisa Falcioni said the State Education Department (SED) recently approved phase 3 scope, which includes classroom renovations and HVAC upgrades at Soames (noted as third‑floor and language hallway work), a boys’ restroom renovation, athletic field reconstruction and a new walking path. Phase 3 is expected to be bid as a group in fall with construction spanning 2026–2027.
Budget and procurement: Falcioni reported small contract adjustments in phase 1 for additional casework and said prime contracts retain healthy allowances; phase 2 had no current change orders. She said the high school auditorium renovation (phase 2a) is out to bid with a June 3 opening and anticipated award in June.
The board and staff agreed to continue regular facilities meetings with teacher representation and to schedule an on‑site update mid‑summer. The district said it will document and publish detailed timelines, provide additional unpacking hours beyond the superintendent conference days, and modify the plan if the facilities committee deems it necessary.
Ending: District staff and the consultants said they believe current plans put the district in a stronger position than last year but acknowledged remaining schedule pressure and promised further coordination before the summer pack‑out and July abatement window.
