Construction is back underway at schools throughout the Roslyn district after long-planned improvement projects were put on hold during the pandemic, the schools reported this week.
“In the spring, everything just stopped,” Thomas Szajkowski, assistant to the superintendent for administration and special projects, said in a statement. “Materials were really hard to come by and shipping was difficult because medical supplies were understandably given priority. Fortunately during the summer, when materials and shipping became more normalized, we were able to resume and tackle an abundance of projects.”
Szajkowski said that in addition to socially distancing the desks in every classroom, creating divided hallways, and placing COVID-19 signage guidance throughout the district, the facilities staff began and resumed “several key projects” designed to enhance the school community.
The funds came from the district’s capital reserve, according to Superintendent Allison Brown.
“Despite all the challenges put in place by the pandemic, we were able to utilize our capital reserve, which was approved by Roslyn residents, and deliver as promised,” Brown said in a statement.
Improvements began at Roslyn High School in June, with the girls’ locker room being demolished and made ADA compliant, with a gray and white decor, LED lighting, team areas with bench seating, a freshly poured epoxy floor, a new bathroom, more functional coaching offices, and a new heating system.
The wrestling room, which doubles as a yoga studio, received new mats, a coat of paint, upgraded plumbing, a new rooftop heating unit, and a new ceiling with dimmable lighting.
At Roslyn Middle School, work began over the summer on the installation of new doors and locks throughout the middle school. All lock coring and pinning work was done in-house, which the district said saved “a considerable amount of capital funds.”
At East Hills Elementary, Harbor Hill Elementary, and the Heights School, the gym floors were sanded, painted, and refinished. New playgrounds with rubber surfacing were installed at both Harbor Hill and Heights. The field at Harbor Hill is nearly complete, with enhanced drainage and sod installation scheduled for early November. Harbor Hill is currently receiving additional HVAC upgrades using in-house labor.
District-wide, the maintenance crews have removed hazardous trees from school properties, performed preventative maintenance, and repaired storm-related issues. Additional landscaping of all school grounds will continue into the fall.
“In addition to getting every one of our school buildings ready to open during a pandemic, the facilities department successfully undertook an outstanding number of projects,” Brown said. “Each one provides a wonderful, new asset for our Roslyn students, staff, and community to enjoy.”
