District leaders highlight summer renovations, say elementary classrooms now air-conditioned

Superintendent Dr. Culot told the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education that roughly 60,000 square feet of classroom and learning space were renovated over a compressed seven-week summer schedule and that many elementary classrooms (UPK through grade 5) now have air conditioning. "It was truly a team effort," the superintendent said, thanking facilities, school leaders, central office administrators, teachers and custodial staff for getting buildings ready for the first day.

Principals from William O. Schaefer, Cottage Lane and SOMS walked trustees through highlights from their schools. William O. Schaefer principals described a renovated front wing, new cabinetry and bathrooms, an outdoor classroom and an expanded UPK class; they reported 574 students at the school on day one and 18 students in the new UPK class. Cottage Lane leaders said about 630 students attended and that a new main entrance and upgraded security and technology were in place. The SOMS principal noted locker day for sixth-graders, new cafeteria furniture and progress on building renovations.

Administrators also emphasized new operational policies for the year: the high school outlined a tighter approach to cell-phone use aimed at preserving "class time integrity," and district leaders said they would monitor attendance with a task force to re-engage students. Technology and transportation directors were singled out for managing last-minute setups, and the district said lessons from this year's tight schedule will inform planning for the next summer's work.

The board voiced satisfaction with how the finished classrooms look while acknowledging the challenges of turnover under a tight schedule. District officials said they are planning to require earlier turnover from contractors and to have cleaning crews follow contractor work next summer to avoid similar disruptions.