cougar construction

Update: December 20, 2024

The District would like to inform you that during the holiday break, no one will be permitted to enter any part of the third floor B-wing. This restriction is necessary due to the ongoing Capital Project and essential clean-up activities in these areas.

This decision follows recent developments already shared with the community that on December 2, 2024, during selective demolition of the 1927-era roof deck, debris fell onto the third floor below. Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the original vapor barrier adhered to the roof deck contained asbestos. Samples taken from the affected rooms revealed that three out of four black tar paper samples contained between 1.1% and 2.2% non-friable, organically-bound asbestos material.

In addition, after the holiday break, work will begin to update the storm water drainage system in the front yard of the high school. This includes replacing the original 1927 storm water system, spanning from the current bus loop to the village system on East Street. While this work is expected to take several weeks, it will not disrupt bus or general traffic around the high school. However, the front yard will need to be dug up during this process. The district kindly asks for patience and understanding as this essential work is completed—please excuse the temporary mess.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Bob Fussa, Director of Facilities, Capital Projects, Safety & Security at bob.fussa@hflcsd.org.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


DECEMBER 2, 2024

Notice Regarding Roofing Material Containing Asbestos

During ongoing capital improvement Ppoject work at the high school, contractors were cutting three roof openings to install the new heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system. On Monday, December 2, the district was made aware that a layer of roofing material containing asbestos adhered to concrete was disturbed and fell into the contained workspace.

It’s important to note that the material identified is non-friable, meaning it does not easily crumble and does not pose an airborne risk. However, since this material was not identified prior to the work, the affected area has been restricted and is clearly marked to prevent access. Proper disposal of the material is scheduled for later this week.

Campus Construction officials have contacted a third-party air monitor company and are ensuring all necessary notifications are made. The debris area is sealed and completely inaccessible to staff, teachers, and students.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the health and safety of everyone in our school community.


Dear HF-L Community,

The district is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing renovations at HF-L High School as part of Phase 3B. Over the past two months, significant progress has been made, and we are excited to share details about the next steps.

In the coming weeks, work will begin to update the storm water drainage system in the front yard of the high school. This includes replacing the original 1927 storm water system, spanning from the current bus loop to the village system on East Street. While this work is expected to take several weeks, it will not disrupt bus or general traffic around the high school. However, the front yard will need to be dug up during this process. The district kindly asks for patience and understanding as this essential work is completed—please excuse the temporary mess.

Inside the building, construction of new gym locker rooms and a spacious matted room on the second floor is progressing. Once completed, this area will be four times larger than the previous wrestling and fitness spaces, providing students with ample room to train and stay active. Classroom renovations in the 1927-era front section of the high school are also underway. These include full HVAC systems, new flooring, walls, windows, fresh paint, and new presentation boards.

Looking ahead, window replacements to restore full glass to the front of the high school are scheduled to begin after winter.

For additional details about the full scope of the current project, please visit the district website.

Thank you for your ongoing support of HF-L schools.

Sincerely,

Gene Mancuso
Superintendent of Schools