MONTVALE, N.J.—Memorial Elementary School celebrated the official opening of its new wing with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 29, showcasing both the new facilities and the momentum of districtwide improvements made possible through the community’s support of a 2021 school bond referendum.
The event included student artwork displays, a PTO book fair staged in the new classrooms, and a bustling fourth grade science fair in the multipurpose room.
“This beautiful addition will serve as a place where young minds will flourish, where friendships will be formed, and where countless aha! moments will happen for generations to come,” said Superintendent Dr. Darren A. Petersen during the ceremony.
The $29.4 million bond referendum, approved by Montvale voters in December 2021, was advanced through a strategic outreach campaign led by then-Board President Ernie DiFiore and Petersen. The initiative promised critical upgrades across the district, including new classrooms, STEAM labs, renovated restrooms, and modernized HVAC and safety systems. With voter approval, the district also secured approximately $7.2 million in state aid to offset costs for taxpayers.
The expansion at Memorial includes five new classrooms and enhanced learning spaces, supporting the district’s long-standing goal of maintaining small class sizes and preparing students for future-ready learning environments.
“The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Montvale Board of Education,” Petersen told Pascack Press on June 1. He noted the leadership of current board president Alisha Foley and vice president John Carvelli, along with members Anita Bagdat, Rachel Baskin, Chris Colla, Dominic DiSalvo, and Zaheera Khan. Special recognition was given to former board members Amaka Auer and DiFiore, with DiFiore credited for helping pass the referendum and guiding the project through its design and construction phases.
The project team included architectural firm FKA Architects with project lead Mike Bieri; Belmont Construction, represented by president Frank Belgiovine and superintendent Jason Brown; and Epic Construction, with Jeff Standing providing construction oversight.
Mayor Michael Ghassali and borough council members were acknowledged for their continued support, as were local police and fire departments for ensuring safety during construction.
The ribbon-cutting also served as a welcome for new school leadership. Assistant Principal Colette Wise will join Memorial this summer from Harrington Park, while principal Mrs. Puzzo began her role in mid-April. School business administrator Andrea Wasserman was recognized for her extensive behind-the-scenes work keeping the project on track through planning and execution.
Districtwide Progress Underway
Memorial’s new wing is just one component of the broader capital plan unfolding across the district. Petersen offered the following updates on additional referendum-funded improvements:
- Fieldstone Middle School has seen major progress, with a new library, STEAM lab, art room, music room, and two fully renovated classrooms. “The STEAM Lab in particular has opened up exciting opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through interactive, project-based learning,” Petersen said.
- Both schools received comprehensive HVAC system replacements to improve air quality and year-round comfort. Other upgrades include new classroom doors with advanced locking mechanisms and state-of-the-art fire alarm systems to improve safety and emergency readiness.
- Accessibility improvements at Fieldstone include a new ADA-compliant ramp and enhanced outdoor lighting.
- Construction is underway at Fieldstone to install a standalone restroom facility near the athletic fields, aimed at serving athletes, spectators, and community members during events.
- his summer, Fieldstone’s cafetorium will undergo a full renovation, including new lighting, furniture, and stage curtains. The improved space will support cafeteria functions as well as school assemblies, theater productions, and community programming.
Next Board Meeting
The Montvale Board of Education will next meet on Monday, June 9, at the Fieldstone Middle School Instructional Media Center, 47 Spring Valley Road. The meeting will begin with an executive session at 5:30 p.m., followed by the public session at 6:30 p.m. The agenda is available online at montvalek8.org under “Board of Education > BOE Meeting Agendas & Minutes.”