In a recent development, the Highlands School District has announced significant changes to its operations, including the temporary closure of Fort Montgomery Elementary School (FMES) for the 2024-2025 academic year. This decision has sparked a wave of concern and frustration among parents and community members.
The closure is part of a $44 million Capital Project aimed at upgrading the facilities across the district’s three schools. While the initiative, approved by the community in March 2023, includes much-needed renovations and enhancements, the immediate impact on families has been profound.
Details of the Capital Project:
- James I. O’Neill High School: New roof and a comprehensive kitchen renovation, with HVAC updates including air conditioning.
- Highland Falls Intermediate School: Roof repairs and a new parking lot, along with HVAC updates.
- Fort Montgomery Elementary School: Extensive renovations including new classrooms, a nurse’s office, ADA-compliant washrooms, a safety vestibule, additional storage, and a new gym and cafeteria. An upgraded HVAC system is also planned.
Despite the benefits, the delay in receiving approval from the State Education Department (SED) has forced the district to make tough decisions. Superintendent Michael McElduff highlighted that the delay has pushed the district into a corner, necessitating the school’s closure to meet budgetary and project deadlines.
Parent Reactions: Parents have expressed their disappointment and anger over the abrupt changes. The closure means that FMES students will be relocated to other schools in the district. Pre-K through 6th-grade students will attend Highland Falls Intermediate School, and 7th through 12th-grade students will be at James I. O’Neill High School. This reshuffling is set to disrupt not only the students’ routines but also the daily lives of many families.
Key Concerns Raised by Parents:
- Disruption to Education: Parents worry about the quality of education during this transition. The shift to different schools could impact learning continuity and student performance.
- Logistical Challenges: The new arrangements pose significant logistical issues for families, particularly those with children in multiple grades now spread across different schools.
- Emotional Impact: The sudden change is expected to affect the emotional well-being of the students, who will have to adapt to new environments and possibly new peers and teachers.
School District’s Response: The district has acknowledged these concerns and has promised to provide regular updates and support to ensure a smooth transition. The first of these updates is scheduled for June 14th. An FAQ page has also been set up on the district’s website to address common questions and concerns.
Superintendent McElduff emphasized the long-term benefits of the project, urging the community to view this as a temporary but necessary measure to achieve a significantly improved learning environment for future generations.
As the district moves forward, it remains to be seen how effectively they can manage the transition and mitigate the concerns of parents and students alike. The community awaits further details and assurances from the district to navigate this challenging period.
End-of-Year Schedule Adjustments: To facilitate the packing process for the upcoming renovations, FMES and Highland Falls Intermediate School will have six half-days at the end of the current school year. The schedule has been adjusted accordingly, with specific times provided for parents to plan ahead.
The district’s decision, though met with discontent, aims to ensure that the facilities are enhanced to serve the students and community better in the long run. The school administration continues to solicit support and patience from all stakeholders as they undertake this significant project.
For further information and to stay updated on the transition, parents are encouraged to visit the district’s website and direct any questions to the dedicated email address provided.
This article aims to inform the Rockland community about the recent developments and the impact of the school closure, ensuring that parents are kept up-to-date and their concerns are voiced.
