PLATTSBURGH — This is the first summer and last summer of work on a capital project at Plattsburgh City School that voters approved more than three years ago.
The job is roughly $200,000 under budget, but school officials say they'll spend every penny that voters approved more than three years ago.
"We are right on the wire (for completion)," said District Superintendent James "Jake" Short.
"We are working weekends to try to do this."
COVERED BY AID
In May 2007, voters approved a $7 million capital project that didn't carry a local tax increase but was instead covered through EXCEL aid.
School officials proposed it to complete previous projects that had been scaled back due to costs.
It focused on health and safety, maintenance upgrades and high-use student/community spaces.
Work was expected to begin before this summer, but initial bids came in higher than expected and were subsequently rejected.
School officials broke up and prioritized the work and this past winter awarded the contracts.
HEALTH, SAFETY UPGRADES
Part of the project centered on health and safety concerns, such as ventilation at Oak Street Elementary School and creating a single entrance way at the High School, where the cafeteria is also being expanded.
The project also touched on energy efficiency by upgrading heating controls and replacing deteriorating windows.
Much of the work was split between general building repairs and high-use student areas, such as the need for a cafeteria at Oak Street Elementary School.
Other items included removing abandoned boilers at Oak and Bailey schools and a septic tank at the High School.
At Stafford Middle School, the most significant work was done on the 35-year-old pool.
"Our swim team has been in the pool for more than a week," Short said. "The pool is nice and is good for at least the next 20 years."
He said work has been ongoing over the past few months at all district buildings.
"It has been a long summer."
ASBESTOS WORK
The job has included a significant amount of unplanned asbestos abatement, said Assistant Superintendent for Business Jay Lebrun.
Roofing work is near completion, and workers are moving materials from Bailey to Oak, which has been designated the new storage area.
"Storage is very difficult at the High School right now," Short said.
There is some ongoing cleaning at Bailey, and the fire-alarm system there is functioning.
The gym floor at Oak is almost done, though there is a lot of painting and small work left there.
CAFETERIA DELAYED
Oak won't have a cafeteria until November, with food being brought over from Stafford.
"Kids will eat in the gym, as they have been doing for years, and we will set up a temporary serving line," Short said.
"They will be getting the same lunch everyone else is getting every day."
STILL IN PROGRESS
The boys locker room at the High School also likely won't be done by school's start, though once it is finished it will be bigger and better looking.
"People are going to see some really nice changes," Short said.
Air conditioning in the High School auditorium is also delayed but will be a reality, Short said.
Workers are going through the buildings and completing punch lists of smaller items that need to be completed to finalize the project.
"That won't hold us up in school," Short said.
He stressed that the main focus is creating a safe environment for students.
"By and large, we are going to be ready."
E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com
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