October 2009 construction project update

october 11, 2009

The district’s building project continues on schedule. Here's a summary of what’s happening at each school site.

Elementary School
Construction of the new two-story classroom addition and gymnasium is progressing very well. Installation of the outer structural elements (steel beams, etc.) is nearly complete and masonry work is in progress and pouring of concrete floors is finished. The interior work has also started. Walls defining individual rooms and offices, as well as the gym and locker rooms, are being added. Work on the new entrance and lobby areas has also begun. Construction crews will finish enclosing the new areas over the next few weeks so work may continue on the interior spaces during the winter months. In addition, utility work within the current Elementary School will continue after regular classroom hours.

Jr.-Sr. High School
The two-story classroom addition at the Jr.-Sr. High School is also progressing on schedule. Installation of steel beams for both floors has been completed and concrete floors have been poured. The external structures will be in place by the time the snow flies so contractors can work inside during the winter months. The new addition is expected to open by March 2010.

In the auditorium, construction crews have finished installing the ducts necessary for a new air conditioning and heating system. These ducts have been enclosed by sheetrock and contractors will soon be installing upgraded lighting and sound systems. Upcoming projects in this space also include installation of new flooring, acoustic tiles and a new ceiling, as well as installation of the refurbished seats. The auditorium is expected to be ready for use by February 2010.

The expansion of the physical education facilities is also proceeding as expected. All external walls of the new locker room area have been erected and brickwork is finished. Concrete has been poured for the floors and construction workers will now begin to build walls and install windows. The current locker rooms will be unavailable after December 23, 2009. Plans are in place to adjust the physical education curriculum to accommodate the lack of locker room facilities. For sporting events, athletes will use classrooms as temporary changing and meeting areas.

Summer 2010 work
Construction work will once again impact district facilities in the summer of 2010. In the Elementary School, there will be renovations to kindergarten classrooms and to the main office and lobby areas. The current entrance will be reconfigured to increase security and a canopy will be added to the outside section. The current library will be renovated into additional cafeteria space and the kitchen will be updated. Three current classrooms and the current speech area will be converted into a new library and computer lab. Also, bathrooms will be added in the back hallway near the current second-grade classrooms. Construction of the new addition will continue, with all projects expected to be complete by September 2010.

At the Jr.-Sr. High School, the cafeteria will be expanded into the area currently occupied by the main office; the main office will be moved to a new administrative/Student Services area. The current reception office in the main lobby will be expanded into a conference room and waiting area for parents and visitors and the front entrance will be renovated to increase security. In addition, the health office will be relocated to a site across from its current location, the current art rooms will be renovated into regular and special education classrooms and the distance learning room will be moved from its current upstairs location to a location on the lower level. There will be new cabinetry and kitchen upgrades in the home and careers classrooms and renovations to the physical education facilities will continue. All work at the Jr.-Sr. High School is expected to be finished by the time school opens in fall 2010.