Croton-Harmon Officials Start Work On $45M Schools Renovation Project

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — With the community's approval, Croton-Harmon school district officials are beginning design work with architects on the future facilities capital project.

Approved Dec. 13 by a vote of 810 'yes' to 215 'no', the $45.5 million project is meant to address current infrastructure-related items and create modern student learning spaces. It was also designed to preserve the integrity of Croton's school buildings and property, including the venerable Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School and the heavily-used Spencer Field.

"We are deeply grateful for the community's overwhelming support," Superintendent Stephen Walker told Patch. "From the beginning of this process, we envisioned creating a project which would transform the school experience for every student, every staff member, and our entire community. With their vote on Tuesday, the community helped us to know that the vision for the future of our schools is one that resonates with people across our school district."

The project is tax-neutral and was intentionally crafted to not increase the tax levy for the community’s residents.

The planned work includes:

• Croton Harmon High School: renovate the auditorium, cafeteria, and current music suite; create an innovative learning center and STEAM Center; and provide air conditioning to the cafeteria, music suite, and innovative learning center.
• Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School: renovate current spaces to create a new science classroom and new student services suite; improve the outdoor learning space; install new playing field, playground and fourth-floor conference suite; and provide air conditioning for the student services suite.
• Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School: create outdoor amphitheater/performance space; convert the current library to a research and maker space; renovate the current gymnasium; and provide air conditioning for the kindergarten wing and cafeteria/multipurpose room.
• Spencer Field Complex: install a synthetic turf field, new track, stadium lighting, bleachers and press box, concession stand, and restrooms; and improve site access and parking.

Walker said the faculty and staff would have input in the final design of the new learning spaces anticipated throughout the district's schools.

"We look forward to sharing more information about the process of making the vision associated with this Project become a reality for our students, staff members, and community," he said.