Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District Superintendent Michael McElduff sent out a reassurance to families of pre-kindergarten through second graders this week: “The Fort Montgomery Elementary School is on schedule to open its doors on September 4 for our students.”

He said that “significant milestones are being reached” as the Phase 1 capital project work wraps up, with this week expected to be a busy one.

“Orange & Rockland (O&R) metering will be installed on Monday (August 4), with energization scheduled for Wednesday afternoon (August 6). Epoxy flooring installation is underway in the corridors, and kitchen equipment installation has commenced. The punch-list walkthrough is set for August 7, followed by the BOCES code compliance walkthrough on August 8,” he said. “Exterior paving will occur on August 7, and excavation for the playground will begin on August 4. All remaining trades are actively completing punch list tasks and final contract work.”

The FMES was closed in the 2024-25 school year for the work – including the addition of a new gymnasium/cafeteria and reconfiguration of many spaces inside the ‘old’ part of the school.

McElduff also offered updates on the O’Neill High School and Highland Falls Intermediate School projects – installing new rooftop HVAC units at both schools after removing the old ones, and kitchen work at the high school and parking lot work at the intermediate school.

“Substantial upgrades are progressing rapidly,” he said. “Due to ongoing construction at all three school buildings, we kindly request that families and students refrain from entering school grounds without prior approval from building administrators.”