Construction Makes Progress, New Rochelle Schools Will Open Safely, On Time

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — After a summer of construction activity at New Rochelle public schools, students will return to buildings that are operating safely and effectively and shaping up with fresher looks. “Thanks to the hard work of our construction crews, and our facilities department’s diligent management, all of our schools will open on time and ready to provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne.

Over the summer, carpenters, masons, roofers and others have been busy renovating the buildings, with most work focused on New Rochelle High School, Isaac E. Young Middle School and Jefferson Elementary School, according to a district spokesman. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Some of the work will continue when students return to classes this week and throughout the year. During the school year, the construction will generally take place after school hours and weekends.

“Such comprehensive improvements cannot be accomplished overnight, and so construction will continue into the school year,” Osborne said. “That was always the plan. But with key areas built, we are confident that our schools will run well from the first day on.”

Most of the work is funded by a portion of the $106.5 million construction bond that District voters approved in May 2016. It comprises the first year of the $46 million two-year Phase II of the bond projects.

At New Rochelle High School, workers are replacing slate shingles on the roof and renewing and reconfiguring the teachers’ parking lot. The retaining wall at McKenna Field is being replaced. The work also includes a fresher, updated look to the school’s main entrance on Clove Road, which will be largely rebuilt.

“We’re creating a more welcoming entrance with new benches and planters and a new wheelchair ramp,” said Director of Facilities Carl Thurnau. Along with other grounds and parking lot improvements, the projects will meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

At Isaac E. Young Middle School, the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms and the nurse’s suite are being completely rebuilt. The nurse’s area is being reconfigured with a more efficient design, and is on schedule to be completed for the opening of school. Sidewalks, outdoor stairs and grounds are being renovated, while masonry workers repoint exterior of the 1920s-era Collegiate Gothic-style building. A refinished entry plaza on Centre Avenue will welcome students, teachers and visitors. Masons are also sprucing up the exterior of Jefferson, an Art Deco building completed in 1932.

The enhancements also include new playground equipment for five elementary schools — Barnard, Columbus, Jefferson, Trinity and Webster.

In addition to the bond projects, some enhancements are funded from the district operating budget, including refinished floors in most of the schools’ gymnasiums and on the Linda E. Kelly Theater stage at the high school.

“The visible construction is a temporary situation,” Osborne said. “But the benefits brought by the work will offer safer, more comfortable buildings for our students this year and for years — even decades — into the future.”

Photo credit: NRED.org.