Facilities Improvements: Updates & Progress

Harrison High School has recently completed several significant improvements. The new Baseball/Soccer Field was completed in time to support both spring and fall seasons. Parking lot improvements were also completed in time for the start of the school year, improving access and capacity on campus. The Rose Garden addition, completed last spring, is now fully operational, with all new classrooms in use. Construction on the Fitness Center addition will begin this fall; bids were awarded, and contractors are beginning to plan to begin construction.  Temporary office space for the Athletic Director and physical education staff is necessary due to interior column work to support the new structure.  Design of the new STEM Center is in its final stages, with groundbreaking anticipated in July 2027. These projects reflect the District’s commitment to creating spaces that enhance academics, athletics, and enrich the overall student experience at Harrison High School.

The four-classroom addition to the Rose Garden wing is now complete, and classes have been taking place in the new classrooms since January. The multi-use turf field is complete, and varsity teams are holding spring practices there. The new bleachers and concession area are complete, and our first varsity game took place on April 3. Plans for the STEM Center and Fitness Center are being finalized for submission to the New York State Education Department, with groundbreaking anticipated in July 2026.

Work continues on the new multi-use turf field, including the installation of drainage structures and a retaining wall, with completion expected later this fall. Construction of the classroom addition is also advancing. The outer shell and roof are nearly finished and will soon be watertight, marking a significant milestone.

Construction of the high school turf field project is underway, and the four-classroom expansion to accommodate growing enrollment has begun.

The four-classroom expansion to accommodate growing enrollment will break ground in May. Installation of a multi-use turf field for baseball, soccer, and community recreation begins in April. Window replacement to improve safety and energy efficiency at Harrison High School has begun; all windows will be replaced by August.

Current condition

Harrison High School faces several pressing issues. There is a need for classrooms to meet current and future enrollment requirements.. There are inadequate classrooms to accommodate STEM, Physical Education, and Athletics. The current baseball/soccer grass field is overutilized and requires turf to expand its use by the district and recreation.  Wrestling and cheer teams currently travel to Purchase and LMK to compete/practice. Windows are Inefficient with limited egress, failing hardware, and deteriorating asphalt paving, and curbs need replacement.

Enrollment at a glance: As of September 12, 2023, current enrollment is 1,101 students, an increase of 43 students since June 2023, and the highest enrollment in the past decade.  Classrooms at Harrison High School are fully utilized every period of the day.  Without additional classroom space, future enrollment growth could only be accommodated by increasing class sizes. 

Proposed projects 

Several projects are proposed to address these challenges:

Security improvements: The plan includes improving security camera and door access infrastructure and adding security film to ground level walk-up windows to enhance safety.

Classroom expansion: A one-story, four-classroom addition is proposed to accommodate growing enrollment.

STEM center: A one-story STEM center that meets current curriculum requirements.

Fitness center: A one-story fitness center and multi-purpose fitness room will address current fitness, training, and practice space limitations.

Space relocation and renovation: The plan includes relocating and renovating art rooms, FASE classrooms, and AP offices for improved safety and functionality.

Window replacement: Window replacement will address inefficiencies and safety.

Turf field: Turf field for baseball, soccer, and community recreation

Infrastructure upgrades: The plan includes replacing the parking lot and sidewalks, addressing deteriorated pavement and curbs to improve safety and accessibility

Scope of work 

• Improve security camera and door access infrastructure
• Add security film to ground level walk-up windows
• Add a one-story 4 classroom addition to accommodate enrollment
• Add a one-story STEM center addition 
• Add a one-story fitness center and multi-purpose fitness room 
• Relocate and renovate art rooms, FASE classrooms, and AP offices
• Convert baseball/soccer field to turf for District and recreation use
• Replace parking lot and sidewalks
• Window replacement

Construction is progressing at Harrison Avenue, with portable units in place and classrooms being prepared to accommodate students and staff while the construction is underway. Demolition of the library was completed over the summer, and this fall's work will focus on the foundation, footings, and installation of the steel framing. Construction will continue throughout the fall as the project moves forward.

Bids were recently awarded, and the general contractor will set up perimeter fencing and staging this Spring. Once temporary portable classrooms are installed, the demolition of the existing library will begin.  Contractors will continue excavation and foundation work for the new addition throughout the summer, and portable classrooms will be added during that time. Anticipated completion of this project is September 2027.

At Harrison Avenue, a new security vestibule, lobby, and relocated main office are now complete. The former office area has been transformed into special education classrooms, expanding access to services for students. The auditorium has also been refreshed with new seating and repaired flooring, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming space for school and community gatherings.

Construction of a new main office and security vestibule, as well as a fully renovated special education space will be completed this summer and ready for the start of school in September.

Current condition

Harrison Avenue Elementary School faces space-related challenges and requires a more secure entrance. There is a need for classroom space to meet the current and future enrollment growth. The classrooms for music, art, library, and academic support are inadequate. The library is outdated and undersized, lacking flexible space to accommodate multiple classes simultaneously. 

Enrollment at a glance: As of September 12, 2023, the school's current enrollment is 588 students, the highest in its history. This figure surpasses demographic projections by 17 students and represents a 25-student increase compared to June 2023. The 2023-24 kindergarten enrollment exceeded projections by 24 students, necessitating the addition of an unbudgeted teacher and teacher aide.

Proposed Projects 

Several projects are proposed to address these challenges:

Enhanced security:  The plan includes a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office to enhance safety and control building access, as well as adding security film to ground level walk-up windows to improve safety.

Office relocation: The main office and nurse's offices will be relocated for more secure operation.

Security improvements: Security enhancements include adding security film to ground level walk-up windows and improving security camera and door access infrastructure.

Classroom additions: A three-story structure with eight classrooms, including music and art spaces and a library.

Infrastructure upgrades: The plan includes paving the parking lot and replacing sections of the sidewalk to improve safety and accessibility.

Scope of work

• New secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office
• Relocate the main office and nurse’s office
• Add security film to ground level walk-up windows
• Improve security camera and door access infrastructure
• Add a three-story addition with 8 classrooms, including music and art spaces, and a new library
• Pave the parking lot and replace sections of sidewalk in need of repair

The Purchase Elementary School classroom and cafeteria addition is progressing, with completion and opening anticipated early in the new year. The project will provide additional instructional space, upgraded dining space, and an enhanced learning environment. The team completed installation of a new custom-designed terrazzo floor over the summer, in time for the start of the school year. 

Progress continues on the classroom addition project at Purchase Elementary School. Final approval of sewer line modifications is anticipated by the end of March.  Concrete foundation work continues in preparation for the structural framing stage, which will continue in April.  

Construction of the new cafeteria and classroom addition is moving forward. Over the summer, foundation walls and drainage structures were completed. In the coming months, crews are scheduled to pour the foundation and begin installing the structural steel, with this work expected to take place in October and November. Purchase also received a brand-new gymnasium floor this summer, and students are already enjoying it as part of their physical education experience.

Portable classrooms at the Purchase Elementary School were removed to prepare for the groundbreaking of the new addition of classrooms and cafeteria. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring.

The Purchase School roof replacement will conclude in October. During renovations,  portable classrooms have been relocated to accommodate ongoing enrollment growth. The outdoor basketball courts were relocated, and privacy fencing was installed to shield the view of the playground from the main road.

Current condition

Purchase Elementary School faces several challenges. Safety improvements include the need for a more secure entrance, removal of obsolete portable classrooms that require students to exit the building, and relocating the playground for improved safety. The school requires additional classrooms for program and academic support and to meet future enrollment growth. The school's kitchen and cafeteria are inadequate for the current student enrollment.

Enrollment at a glance: As of September 12, 2023, enrollment is 363 students, the highest  in the past decade. The number exceeds demographic projections by 27 students. Kindergarten enrollment exceeded projections by 16 students, necessitating the addition of an unbudgeted teacher and teacher aide.

Proposed projects 

Several projects are proposed to address these challenges:

Enhanced security:  The plan includes a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office to enhance safety and control building access, as well as adding security film to ground level  walk-up windows to improve safety.

Security improvements: Security enhancements include adding security film to walk-up ground level windows and enhancing security camera and door access infrastructure.

Classroom and kitchen/cafeteria addition: A one-story addition will include eight classrooms and a new kitchen and cafeteria to accommodate student enrollment.

Playground relocation: The playground and basketball courts will be relocated behind the new addition for improved safety.

Infrastructure and maintenance: The plan includes replacing the water main and sanitary service to ensure reliable infrastructure.

Scope of work 

• Create a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office
• Improve security camera and door access infrastructure
• Add security film to ground level walk-up windows
• Add one-story, 8 classroom and kitchen/cafeteria addition
• Relocate playground and basketball courts behind the new addition to improve safety
• Replace water main and sanitary service
• Renovate old cafeteria to create music classrooms

The multipurpose room is complete, and the exterior facade is fully installed. The space is fully utilized with student learning, as well as school and district programs.  Pool improvements have also been completed, the scoreboard was repaired, and new starting blocks and scoring touch pads have been installed.

The new multipurpose space at LMK is nearing completion, with exterior façade work almost finished. This addition will provide flexible space to support student activities and schoolwide programs

Construction of the District’s new Multi-Purpose Room is complete. The room is already being used for instruction during the school day, hosting professional development sessions, and serving as the new location for Board of Education meetings. The project was completed thanks to the incredible District Maintenance, Custodial, and Technology teams, who completed the majority of the work themselves in record time. The Board of Education held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the space. Dr. Wool individually recognized and thanked each team member involved in the project for their hard work and commitment.

Current condition

LMK Middle School underwent extensive renovations as part of the 2016 Bond, which included improvements to the auditorium, cafeteria, exterior facade, turf field, parking lot, and an expanded secure main entrance. There is a need for an enclosed corridor access to the 6th Grade/Science Classrooms; students currently exit the main building to access classrooms. The pool dehumidification system is obsolete, resulting in ongoing maintenance. Inefficiencies in the cafeteria/kitchen during meal times and a need for more meeting and professional development space have been identified.

Enrollment at a glance: As of September 12, 2023, enrollment is 868 students, the highest in the past decade. This number exceeds demographic projections by 13 students and represents a 50-student increase compared to June 2023. The incoming 6th grade class size required the addition of two teaching positions.

Proposed projects 

Several projects are proposed to address these challenges:

Security improvements: The plan includes improving security camera and door access infrastructure and adding security film to ground level walk-up windows to enhance safety.

Connecting corridor: A one-story, enclosed connecting corridor will be added to the 6th Grade/Science Classrooms, improving safety and accessibility for students.

Large group meeting/Professional development space: A one-story addition for large group meetings and professional development is proposed to address current needs.

Kitchen renovation: Phase II of the kitchen renovation will be completed to improve efficiency during mealtimes.

Pool dehumidification upgrade: The plan includes upgrading the pool dehumidification system.

Scope of work 

• Improve security camera and door access infrastructure
• Add security film to ground level walk-up windows
• Add a one-story connecting enclosed corridor to the Science/6th Grade classrooms
• Add a one-story large group/professional development meeting space
• Complete phase II kitchen renovation from the previous capital project
• Upgrade pool dehumidification system

Construction is progressing at Preston Elementary School. The foundation for the new classroom addition, main office, and secure entry along Harrison Street is in place. Steel installation is scheduled to begin this fall, moving the project into its next major phase. Work will continue throughout the coming months as the transformation of Preston Elementary School takes shape.

Bids for the classroom addition and main office relocation were awarded, and the general contractor has set up their fencing and staging areas. Excavation and foundation work will begin this Spring and continue throughout the summer, with an anticipated completion in time for the opening of school in September.

Plans for Preston’s upcoming renovations are currently under review by the New York State Education Department. Once approved, this project will proceed to implement much-needed upgrades at the school.

Current condition

Preston Elementary School faces several immediate issues, including the need for an upgraded, more secure entrance, a shortage of classrooms and support spaces, obsolete portable classrooms that require students to exit the main building to access music classes. There are ADA accessibility challenges in the kindergarten classrooms and inadequate space for music education.

Enrollment at a glance: As of September 12, 2023, the school's current enrollment is stable at 341 students, which represents a slight decline in enrollment compared to last year due to a larger exiting 5th grade in June 2023.  Preston tends to enroll students throughout the school year and currently has only one available classroom to accommodate future enrollment. 

Proposed projects 

Several projects are proposed to address these challenges:

Enhanced security: The plan includes a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office to enhance safety and control building access, as well as adding security film to ground level walk-up windows to improve safety.

Office relocation: The main office and nurse's offices will be relocated for more secure operations.

Security improvements: Security enhancements include adding security film to ground level walk-up windows and enhancing security camera and door access infrastructure.

Accessibility: ADA access will be added from the kindergarten wing to address accessibility challenges.

Portable classroom removal: The obsolete portable classrooms will be removed, and associated site work undertaken.

Classroom expansion: A two-story addition will be constructed with five classrooms and a new  main office and nurse's office.

Infrastructure and maintenance: The plan includes replacing the water main and sanitary service, paving the parking lot, and replacing sidewalks.

Scope of work 

• Create a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office
• Relocate the main office and nurse’s office to the new entrance
• Add security film to ground level walk-up windows
• Improve security camera and door access infrastructure
• Add two-story, 5 classrooms and main office and nurse’s office 
• Add ADA access from the kindergarten wing
• Remove portable classrooms and associated site work
• Replace the water main and sanitary service
• Pave the parking lot and replace the sidewalk

This summer brought sweeping changes to Parsons. A new security vestibule, lobby, and office suite now anchor the main entrance, strengthening both safety and accessibility. The multipurpose room has been fully renovated, and new lifts provide access to the art and multipurpose spaces, as well as the third-floor classrooms. The third-floor addition, completed in time for opening day, includes new classrooms, bathrooms, and a hallway connecting the wing to the library. New flooring was also installed in several classrooms across the building, creating bright, modern spaces for learning.

Significant progress has been made on the Parsons 3rd floor renovation to accommodate growing student enrollment. Framing and sheetrock installation are nearly complete, and the HVAC and electrical systems have been installed.  The wall connecting the new space to the main building has been opened, preparing for a corridor between the two areas. The third floor accessibility lift installation will be completed this summer, and the new classrooms are scheduled to open in September as originally planned. This summer a new security vestibule will be constructed and all windows will be replaced.

Current condition

Parsons Memorial Elementary School faces several pressing issues. The entrance requires redesign and has limited space for student queuing. The school requires additional classrooms to meet program needs, for academic support, and for future enrollment growth. 

Enrollment at a glance: As of September 12, 2023, 495 students are enrolled at Parsons, the highest in its history. This number exceeds demographic projections by 42 students and reflects an 18-student increase compared to June 2023. Enrollment at every grade level surpasses demographic projections.

Proposed projects 

Several projects are proposed to address these challenges:

Enhanced security: The plan includes a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office to enhance safety and control building access, as well as adding security film to ground level walk-up windows to improve safety.

Security improvements: Security enhancements include adding security film to ground level walk-up windows and improving security cameras and door access infrastructure.

Classroom expansion: Renovating an existing third floor will create six classrooms (5 new, 1 renovated) and a resource room.

Accessibility upgrades:  An elevator will be added to provide access to new and existing third-floor spaces to address the current lack of ADA accessibility to the third-floor library classrooms. A lift will provide accessibility to the art and multipurpose room rooms.

Infrastructure and maintenance: The plan includes replacing windows, the water main and sanitary service, paving the parking lot, drainage improvements, and masonry repointing. The main utility service will be replaced and upgraded.

Scope of Work 

• Create a new secure entrance vestibule, main entrance, and security office
• Add security film to ground level walk-up windows
• Improve security cameras and door access infrastructure
• Renovate the third floor to create 6 classrooms (5 new, 1 renovated) and a resource room
• Add an elevator to access new and existing third-floor spaces
• Add an accessibility lift to the art room
• Replace windows 
• Replace the water main, drainage, and sanitary service improvements 
• Pave parking lot, repoint masonry  

Health and safety improvements remain a priority for the district, with ongoing upgrades designed to enhance security, communication, and the district’s emergency response capabilities. The district will upgrade the school phone system to strengthen communication. Continued enhancements to lockdown procedures and protocols will ensure students and staff are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. 

Facility improvements continue throughout the District, including safety and security enhancements in all six school buildings, expanded camera coverage and safety enhancements to walk-up windows and doors on the ground level, upgraded security cameras and door access infrastructure. These improvements will conclude within the next several months.  Window replacement to improve safety and energy efficiency at Harrison High School has begun; all windows will be replaced by August. The Parsons window replacement project will begin in April and be completed by August.  

Facility work continued at Parsons Elementary School, Purchase Elementary School, and LMK Middle School. Work at Harrison High School and Harrison Avenue Elementary School will begin this summer.