South Orangetown presents capital projects update as parents press for clearer timelines

District officials updated the South Orangetown Central School District board Monday on progress and next steps for a multiyear capital construction program funded by a voter‑approved bond.

Lou Rodriguez of the Palumbo Group and Lisa Falcone of CPL told the board the bond work was deliberately split into three phases to manage scope and budget and that air‑quality HVAC upgrades were a program priority. "Air quality was the most important thing," Rodriguez said, describing HVAC, classroom renovations and new outdoor classrooms included in phase 1.

Presenters said the district awarded about $17 million in contracts for phase 1, reported approximately $17,900 in approved change orders (about 0.1%), and listed the current contract value near $17,034,000. The board was shown running budget estimates that place the three‑phase construction total near $44.3 million, with a planned bid for additional work (about $19.4 million) expected to go to market in October after the State Education Department (SED) gave approval for the Tappan Zee package.

Officials said SED approval arrived and that they expect to begin bidding soon. "We just got SED approval yesterday... we're actually looking to bid this next month," Falcone said.

Board members and public commenters pressed presenters about outstanding punch‑list items and the readiness of outdoor classrooms. Presenters said some outdoor classrooms are under punch‑list review and that final completion for phase 1 is targeted for September 2025; electrical work for some outdoor classrooms remains incomplete and facilities staff will report back at an upcoming facilities meeting. "Usually after substantial completion, it can be used," Rodriguez said, noting a possible disconnect over punch‑list expectations.

Several public speakers praised the quality of the work but urged better communication to staff and earlier walkthroughs. A former board member urged the board to increase oversight of taxpayer dollars and to provide personal protective equipment and better communication to teachers who returned to work during construction.

Officials also discussed the boilers project. CPL designed the boiler work and presenters said final SED approval was received; bidding can begin but boilers are a long‑lead item. Presenters emphasized SED rules that require heat to be operating in school buildings by Sept. 15 and said contingency plans are in place to ensure heat if installations run long.

Board members requested a phase‑by‑phase checklist and a master list of work and completion dates for phases 1–3; presenters agreed to provide those materials and to forward the facilities quarterly report and bid documents. The facilities committee will meet to review cleaning, packing and contractor coordination ahead of next summer’s work to avoid the tight timelines and staff disruptions reported this year.

Next steps noted in the presentation include issuing bids after SED approvals, producing the requested master list and providing a facilities report at the next facilities meeting.