January 2024

Dear HCSD Families,

During the last Board of Education meeting in December, our project manager and architect provided a progress update on our voter-approved Capital Project. While we are excited for the improvements to our facilities that will be completed as part of this work, there are some unavoidable impacts to our track and field access that we want to make everyone aware of. Please know that we are working closely with our construction professionals to facilitate the least possible disruptions for our school community. 

Phase I: Infrastructure Updates
All our plans have been approved by the New York State Education Department, and contracts for Phase 1 work have been awarded. This work—which will begin to address multiple antiquated building components such as classroom flooring and ceilings, electrical systems, lighting, lockers, and more—will take place during July and August 2024. Work is anticipated to be completed before the start of the school year, so any possible disruptions to students and staff will be minimal.

Phase II: Track & Field/Athletic Complex Updates
Bids for Phase II work are scheduled to bid in January, with contracts expected to be awarded in early February. Athletic field work is slated to start as soon as the weather permits (anticipated March or April). The outdoor work will include replacing the existing grass field with turf; replacing the track and adding perimeter drains; adding a track timing system, steeplechase, and shot-put pit; replacing bleachers, and building a concession stand area, press box and bathroom facilities.

Anticipated Impact of the Track & Field
Phase II work is expected to last through the summer and fall and possibly continue into the spring of 2025. This schedule is driven by factors such as the time needed to manufacture steel for the bleachers and having appropriate weather conditions necessary for the moisture-sensitive coating on the track to properly cure.

Given this schedule, we are currently anticipating that the Spring 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 athletic seasons will be affected. Additionally, the location of the Class of 2024 High School Commencement ceremony will also be impacted. 

Please be assured that we are exploring all possible solutions for this timeline, with the goal of having the least possible impact on our school community. Our Facilities and Support Services Committees are meeting regularly to discuss options, and our Athletics and Transportation Departments are working together to come up with solutions to ensure that our student-athletes and coaches will be able to continue to practice and compete during their upcoming seasons. We will share those plans with you as soon as they are finalized.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the next steps of our Capital Project. We are confident that through this thoughtful planning, we will be able to find an optimal path forward.

Sincerely,

Joel E. Freer
Superintendent of Schools