Construction update at Arbor Hill Elementary

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The following is an important message from Principal Gaines-Harrell:

We are excited to see you and to welcome our students back to school with our orientation programs this Thursday and Friday. I’m writing to let you know that our school may look a little different than it usually does when your students return this week – and that’s going to be a good thing!  

We are in the midst of a two-year renovation project upgrading both the inside and outside of the building. This summer, crews worked on inside space toward the back of our school to allow for the construction of three new classrooms, a new district-wide copy center and a storage area. We are completing this work in accordance with the New York State Education Department’s code requirements for public schools, and it should be finished by December.  Renovations then will shift to the construction of a prekindergarten classroom and new office space for food service employees.

The project will also include a partial roof and mechanical system replacement, and updates to the electrical system. We will add a perimeter sidewalk and lighting outside to create an evacuation route in the event of an emergency.

The health and safety of our students and staff, and an easy return to in-person instruction for all our students, are top priorities. With that in mind, please contact me with any questions you may have about the project or our new school year at rgaines-harrell@albany.k12.ny.us or (518) 475-6625.