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Issue I Volume II
April 2024
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FMT HAPPENINGS
"Be Informed About Facilities, Maintenance, And Transportation"
The Director's Message
Here we are close to completing the third quarter with 50 days remaining until graduation and 57 days to express farewells to our students and staff departing for the summer months. "As you get older, time seems to fly. It catches you off guard, probably because it's such a powerful and bizarre concept" (Kristin Wong). While those of the Xers, Baby Boomers, Silent Generation and beyond might agree with the notion of "Tempus Fugit" our current student population, especially our Seniors, may feel that time drags on. Clearly, before you know it, we will be ending the 2023-2024 school year and most of us will proclaim: "Where did the time go?"
I say this as a prelude as our Seniors commence to new beginnings so hopefully it will also be for the rest of us as we prepare with a sense of urgency to undertake the work for the summer months. Please read on as I highlight several major initiatives.
North Salem PQ Water Treatment Project
The water source for Pequenakonck Elementary School (PQ) has been the subject of discussion beginning in 2021. Planning followed after a report issued by the Westchester County Department of Health (WCDOH) concurrently with New York State (NYS) adopting new drinking water standards for public water systems that set maximum contaminant levels of 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for the "Forever Chemicals". Over the past three years, since NYS adopted the new drinking water standards, the review process has been arduous, with frequent changes along the way including multiple revisions issued by the WCDOH. On the Federal level the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, April 10th changed the threshold for 2 common types of "Forever Chemicals," PFOA and PFOS in drinking water to 4 ppt.
The approval to begin building the water treatment plant was issued on November 17, 2023 more than over two years in the making. On February 8, 2024 bids were opened from prospective bidders. Given the project was originally funded through a Capital Reserve Fund for both the MS/HS and PQ three years ago, the low bid was twice the original estimate. The plant must be built given the new regulations issued by the EPA, the NYS Department of Health, and WCDOH for public water systems. Delaying the project will only increase the cost going forward as the bids will expire and costs will increase. On May 21 the District is asking the North Salem Residents to vote on the Proposition for the PQ Elementary School Water System Upgrades so we can continue in our quest to supply potable water at PQ.
Upgrade the Bus Fleet
Over the past three years a concerted effort was focused on removing 66 passenger buses from the fleet with high mileage and extensive body wear from age and corrosion. This task was completed and our current fleet assigned to the In-District runs is projected on average to register 53,000 miles on their odometers by June 2029. In essence, we should plan to consider replacing 66 passenger buses in 3 to 4 years.
Our projections for the vans assigned to mostly Out-of-District trips, require a very different approach given the condition of the fleet. Five of the 20 vans have low mileage (20,000 m.) while the remaining 15 have been driven on average over 135,000 miles as well as plagued with corrosion issues. In addition to purchasing three 20 passenger vans we are also upgrading the radios, cameras and GPS for the entire fleet. One commercial mower to maintain over 105 acres of our fields is also proposed to replace one of the mowers beyond repair. In May North Salem residents are asked to vote on a Proposition for Student Transportation and Equipment Purchase.
Structured Teaching Educational Program (STEP)
The STEP 5 learning environment is a special class program for students aged 18-21 with an emphasis in life and prevocational skill development. A classroom will be converted to an apartment setting where students will have hands-on experiences including but not limited to organizing and sorting, menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal hygiene to name just a few of the skills.
We have initiated the planning process for the apartment aptly named "5 Independence Way." This project has been years in the making and all the right forces are in alignment to make this a reality for September of 2024. This would include all the different trades such as carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, as well as work by our maintenance crew. Meetings with specialty vendors for cabinetry and appliances are underway.
I would be remiss if no acknowledgement was made for all of the unmentioned work of Kurt Guldan, BOE President to secure a grant from Senator Peter Harckham and Barbara Briganti, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business for writing the grant to secure funding for this project and Adam VanDerStuyf, Ed.D. as well as Mrs. Kristin Doherty for their on going work.
5 Independence Way North Salem NY
Welcome
School Store, Pantry, Living Room and Bedroom
Lastly, a few words to bring you up-to-date on two other projects.
Tompkins Field
The application of the track surface over the macadam and striping of the lanes is scheduled to begin on or about May 27th. The entire process usually takes 3 weeks and Tompkins Track and Field will be closed. As we get closer to the anticipated date, announcements will be made by posting the construction site and on our website.
Security Improvements for PQ and MS/HS
On April 5th the New York Stated Education Department (NYSED) issued their initial approval for the engineering portion of the plans. Comments for the architectural component are forthcoming as well as the fiscal review. When NYSED finishes their final review, the bid documents will be prepared and processed for contractors to bid on the project.