37°
OSSINING, N.Y. From dozens of broken seats and faulty electrical outlets to technical crews blocking views, Ossining School District representatives have had to apologize for the many problems with Ossining High Schools auditorium.
There are only so many times that you can apologize to a community member because the seats are uncomfortable or because their handicapped loved one cant access the facility, said Bradley Morrison, the districts director of cultural arts. There are constantly all of these faults that we have had to apologize for. Now I can say that in a year from now, its going to be a lot better.
The Ossining Board of Education reviewed plans on Oct. 2 that detailed the process of construction for more than $41.6 million in bond improvement projects that will begin next year. Voters passed the districts proposed $41.6 million bond in March. The proposed plans call for repairs to five of six boiler systems in the district, new second floor classrooms at Ossining High School, expanding the Anne M. Dorner Middle School cafeteria, consolidation of the middle school locker rooms and dozens of other projects.
The first phase, which includes dozens of upgrades to AMD Middle School and Ossining High School, is scheduled to begin in summer 2013.
Im really excited about the prospect of what this will mean for the schools, Morrison said. It hasnt been right here for decades and there are so many basic things that we have needed and the students are finally going to be able to get them.
School Board President Bill Kress agreed, adding that the plans still need to be submitted and approved by the New York State Education Department before plans are finalized.
Its definitely exciting. Its going to be something the community can be proud of, Kress said. We need to start in the summer because demolition would be too noisy and disruptive if it happened during the school year. But were all really looking forward to having these improvements because its been a long time since weve been able to do work at the high school and AMD.
The presentation and plans are available on the districts website. Residents with questions or concerns about the facilities are asked to email Morrison at BMorrison@ossining.k12.ny.us.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.
