Students in the Hyde Park Central School District returned to spruced-up schools this week as the 2007-2008 school year commenced.
All Hyde Park schools have undergone upgrades as part of Phase 1 of the district’s Master Facilities Plan. Improvements completed over the summer were Phase 1C, supported by an EXCEL bond approved by voters last December and funded through a grant and state aid, resulting in no additional costs to taxpayers.
Hyde Park Central School District representatives hosted a walk-through of schools last week showcasing various upgrades. Hyde Park Elementary (H.P.E.) looked better than it has in years; new floors gleamed as Principal Kate Blossom directed visitors through the school. Flooring was replaced in several areas of the school, and visitors remarked at how clean and well-maintained the school appeared.
“We like clean and taken care of,” replied Hyde Park School Superintendent Carole Pickering. “It definitely sends a message that we care about our school buildings,” she said.
Clock systems were replaced at several schools in the district, including H.P.E., and teachers are happy to return to schools with synchronized, operating clocks. “That’s probably what our staff is most excited about,” said Blossom, who noted that the clock system at H.P.E. was so defunct by last year that teachers were using computer screensavers to keep time. “We feel good about the community supporting improvements,” she said.
The EXCEL project mainly addressed safety and disability issues, and for many schools that resulted in new flooring, restroom updates, lighting, walkways, fire alarm upgrades and door hardware. According to Pickering, replacing the aging floor tiles at Haviland Middle School has greatly improved the school’s appearance. Ralph R. Smith Elementary also replaced hot and cold water piping and upgraded some cabinetry.
Work left to do
School representatives are planning for Phase 2 of the facilities plan, which will be separated into several components and presented to voters this December. Blossom said she is hoping the Phase 2A plan will be approved by voters, as it includes repair work to the facade at H.P.E., as well as replacement of windows at the historic section of the school.
“Our facade is really in need of some help,” said Blossom. “It’s the first thing you see when you visit this lovely building.”
Paint is peeling on the historic entryway and wood is showing signs of deterioration. Blossom is hoping that H.P.E. can be restored to its F.D.R.-era splendor. “We have a lot of pride in our school – both the parents and kids have talked about this,” said Blossom of the renovations. Windows in the historic section of H.P.E. are also in a state of disrepair, she said.
“It looks terrible and it’s not energy efficient,” said Blossom of the old wood windows. Earlier attempts to replace the windows were blocked by the state historic society, said Blossom, and the windows continue to deteriorate. “This is such a beautiful building,” said Blossom as she stood in front of her school and gazed at the peeling paint. “It’s a sin – this could be absolutely gorgeous.”
Haviland Middle School is another historic school on the list for window replacement if Phase 2 is approved, and Phase 2A will also address security programs for all seven schools. Phase 2B will involve purchasing the district’s office on Boice Road in the village, and details regarding Phases 2C, 2D and 2E will be released at a later date but involve reconfiguring the district and adding space to F.D.R. High School to create two campuses: one for students in grades 7 and 8 and another for high school students.
Maria Hoskins, a Hyde Park resident with two children in the district, said recent improvements to the schools have made a noticeable difference. The parking lot at her children’s school, Netherwood Elementary, was repaved in summer of 2006.
“The parent drop-off area is much, much improved,” said Hoskins, who was happy to see safety and access issues addressed through the EXCEL project. “These are issues the schools have had for a long time that were very important,” said Hoskins.
She also complimented flooring work that was completed in the schools. “Getting rid of old floors spruces up the schools right away,” she said, noting that the recent upgrades have improved morale of both parents and faculty. “There’s nothing like having pride in your school,” said Hoskins.