$6M Work at Yorktown High School Nears Completion
Students attending Yorktown High School will notice many changes when they return to school this week, thanks to extensive renovations costing about $6 million.
The work is part of a $37 million bond approved by voters in 2006. Since the last day of school in June, ceilings and lights in all corridors were replaced, 1,250 new lockers were installed, the nurse’s suite was upgraded, the athletic wing was enhanced and the front lobby was reconfigured with improved security and comfort.
In addition, the synthetic turf on the high school’s main athletic field was replaced, and a new press box and lighting on the walkway was completed. The complex is expected to be ready for competition by mid-October.
“I think it will be shocking to students when they come back. Shocking in a good way,” said band director Emily Kluga. “I think it’s a classy facelift for the school. We’re psyched to start the new year.”
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Tom Cole said getting the school ready for opening day for the approximately 1,300 high school students and staff was a major undertaking.
“If you would have seen this place in July you would have said there was no way this could get done in time,” Cole said. “It was really quite an effort and coordination. I think when you walk in there as a student you will see a commitment from a community that invests in its schools and its fields. The students are going to love it.”
Over the last decade, Cole said $76 million has been spent in the district on its school facilities. Next year, Mildred Strang Middle School is scheduled for several upgrades.
“It’s very important not to let things deteriorate,” Cole said.
Cole said the district has experienced decreasing maintenance, utility and heating costs. By spreading the work out over the years, Cole said the district has also been able to complete more projects based on the lower interest rates.
With the athletic field out of action, teams have been practicing at Legacy fields and the Huskers football team will play at least three games at Walter Panas High School.
“This is more than just a field. It’s a place where kids and the community will come together,” Cole said of the new turf playing surface. “This field will be used seven days a week as long as there isn’t three feet of snow on top of it.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
