On Tuesday, May 17, on the day of the district budget vote, voters will be asked to decide on a $2.5 million requisition to authorize emergency repairs to the F-F Elementary School.

District officials and the Board of Education have been working with a team of forensic experts and engineers for several months in order to assess the situation. It appears that the foundation has settled significantly, causing floors cracking and other damage. Under the advisement of the engineers, officials are working to stabilize the building's foundation and avoid any further damage.

With the approval of district residents, district officials will begin the necessary remediation work in the upcoming construction season (summer/fall 2005). The longer officials wait to correct the problem the greater the risk of further damage, and the more costly the repairs could become. 

District residents should be aware that the Board of Education is working aggressively with legal counsel to recover the costs and expenses associated with this effort. However, this effort could take some time, and district officials feel that work to stabilize the building should begin as soon as possible.

Currently, specialists are monitoring the building on a continuous basis to assure that it is safe for occupancy. Nothing is more important than the safety of Fonda-Fultonville's elementary students.

There will be a public hearing on Thursday, May 5 in the multi-purpose room. Information related to the construction determinations, causes and remediation plan associated with this important repair will be presented at the meeting. All members of the public are encouraged to attend.

For more information, call the superintendent's office at 853-4415 ext. 4230.

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