General Project Questions
What is the expected timeline for completion?
Construction at the high school and middle school will begin immediately following the high school graduation in 2025 and is scheduled for completion by the end of August 2026.
How will the renovation impact daily school operations? Will there be changes to school policies or schedules due to construction?
School will proceed as normal throughout this phase of construction.
What measures are being taken to ensure student and staff safety?
Clearly defined barriers and signage will be installed to restrict access to construction areas, in an effort to prevent unauthorized entry by students and staff. In addition, contractors will not be allowed access to any areas of the school during the school day. Construction workers must wear ID badges at all times, per NYS Education Department guidelines for easy identification.
These proactive safety measures are designed to protect the well-being of the entire school community while allowing necessary improvements to the building to proceed efficiently and responsibly.
What are the key improvements being made to classrooms, common areas and facilities during this phase?
The common areas at the center of Fox Lane High School will be reimagined and updated. This includes an integrated learning space and a new library and media center. New boys and girls locker rooms will also be created.
At Fox Lane Middle School, work will begin on a front entrance redesign and a covered walkway to the gym. Updates, repairs and accessibility features will be worked on in the courtyard and new windows and ventilation units will be installed in the main building.
How will this renovation benefit students and staff?
At the middle school, this phase of construction will primarily increase safety and upgrade infrastructure.
At the high school, the redesigned spaces created will encourage collaboration, enhance learning environments and create a completely renewed library and media space.
Impact on Students and Learning
Will classrooms be relocated during construction?
No classrooms will be impacted, but the library, school counseling office, main office and locker rooms at Fox Lane High School will be relocated and clearly marked.
How will noise and disruption be minimized?
Noise and disruption will be minimized by scheduling the loudest activities outside school hours, using low-noise equipment, and implementing sound barriers to contain construction noise.
Will there be changes to bus drop-off and pickup locations?
Bus pickup and drop-off will not be affected.
Some parking will be relocated at the north entrance (with possible overflow space at Fox Lane Middle School), but spaces will be clearly marked and there will be staff and security monitors providing instructions and support as the community adjusts to the new locations.
Are there accessibility measures in place for students with disabilities?
We will be ADA compliant throughout the process.
Impact on Teachers and Staff
Will teachers and staff have access to their classrooms and office spaces at all times?
Classrooms at Fox Lane High School will not be impacted during this phase and offices have already been moved to ensure access.
At Fox Lane Middle School, there may be spaces in the central building that are inaccessible while windows are being replaced.
During the school year, construction activities will not require any changes to teacher or student access to classrooms.
Will there be temporary workspaces for teachers and staff if needed?
Middle school administrators will keep teachers and staff informed and work to ensure alternative spaces are available when a location is being worked on.
Health & Safety Concerns
What measures will be taken to control dust and air quality?
The construction areas will be completely separated with temporary walls to mitigate dust traveling from the construction areas to occupied parts of the building. Measures will be taken such as the use of negative air fans with filters within the work areas.
Will the water quality be affected?
There will be no impact on the water quality.
Will fire drills and emergency procedures be affected?
We have worked closely with first responders through the planning process and they have approved all plans.
How will potential hazards (e.g., exposed wires, heavy machinery) be managed?
Potential hazards will be managed by securing work areas with barriers, posting clear signage, restricting student and staff access, and ensuring compliance with all New York State safety regulations and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Facilities & Extracurricular Activities
Will athletic fields, gyms or auditoriums be affected?
During the renovation of the high school library, the existing small gym will be temporarily repurposed as the library. While the existing boys locker room is being renovated to create new boys and girls locker rooms, the current girls locker room will be temporarily divided to provide separate spaces for both male and female students.
How will cafeteria operations be impacted?
There will be no impact to food services.
Will students clubs and extracurricular activities still have access to necessary spaces?
Yes. Students will have full access to spaces they need (though some, like the locker rooms may be temporarily relocated).
