Tom Ritzenszaler, project lead for CSR, told the Facilities Committee the Newburgh Free Academy main locker-room is undergoing a full gut renovation intended to improve student facilities and code compliance. The project team said state plan approval came in December 2024, contracts were awarded April 8, abatement began early and construction started May 5.

The renovation will create separate boys and girls locker rooms with showers and toilets, two team rooms, relocated mechanicals and a dedicated access corridor that presenters said corrects a previous code issue where an exit path dumped into a locker room. "As I always say to the board, let's stay focused on the kids," Ritzenszaler said.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Kimberly Roaring and Jacobs representative Ben Olling reviewed contract values and allowances. The general-contractor contract listed $1,568,000 with a $40,000 contract allowance intended to absorb early change orders; potential items presented included a double exterior door elimination and millwork rework adjacent to a laundry room. The electrical contractor contract was listed around $178,132 with a $10,000 allowance for initial change orders; mechanical and plumbing contract amounts cited were about $299,500 (mechanical, $20,000 allowance) and $92,800 (plumbing, $30,000 allowance) respectively. The plumbing contractor submitted a potential change order for a cracked pipe of $6,923.

Project-team members said the schedule targets substantial completion in November so the district can occupy the space in time for winter athletics, with punch-list items and contract closeout expected by year-end or into January. Presenters told the committee the district will try to make the space available for the basketball season but that final completion and closeout work may continue into January.

Committee members asked about ADA compliance and how fall athletics would be accommodated while construction proceeds. Presenters said the design includes a ramp to make an elevated storage area accessible and that the district is coordinating alternatives with building principals and curriculum staff to communicate plans to families and coaches.

The committee was also shown construction photos of framed walls, floor leveling and relocated plumbing that the team said represent current progress. Presenters cautioned some potential change orders remain under review and have not yet been committed to costs.

No formal vote on the locker-room contract or change orders was recorded in the meeting transcript.