Area school districts busy making fixes, expansions and upgrades

Area school districts are working on construction and renovation projects this summer, with some expected to be completed before classes begin in August.

In Cape Girardeau, the biggest items on the district's to-do list are part of a $20 million bond issue approved by voters in April 2015.

"The junior high and (Career and Technology Center) are our two main projects," said Neil Glass, assistant superintendent for administrative services.

At the junior high, contractors are about halfway through the first phase of a 10-week effort to put classrooms where the school's old gymnasium was. That includes installing a new HVAC system, putting up drywall, doing electrical work and painting finished walls so everything is ready for students in August.

The second phase of the project will include a new music area, administrative offices, a new practice gym and a storm shelter.

Steve Martin of Brockmiller Construction carries lumber Tuesday while setting forms for the expansion of Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School.Glenn Landberg

Glass said the total price for all of the work at the junior high is a little more than $10 million.

At the CTC, where 25,000 square feet of additional space are being added, site preparation is complete, and an elevator shaft is being built.

Estimated cost for that project is about $6 million. Completion is scheduled for summer 2017, according to a district budget document.

"We're on schedule. Everything looks good," Glass said.

Jackson

A look at the expansion of Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School Tuesday.Glenn Landberg

Superintendent John Link in Jackson said several projects continue in the Jackson School District.

On the costlier end of the spectrum, part of the roof is being replaced at North Elementary for about $571,000.

At the high school, $80,000 is budgeted to finish stadium improvements, including work on the facade, a new ticket booth and new restrooms.

"We've got a bunch going on," Link said.

About $70,000 is being tapped to run fiber-optic lines to North, Gordonville and Millersville elementary schools to boost technology infrastructure.

Other projects include:

• Replacing windows at Gordonville for $22,000;
• Work on the HVAC system at Millersville ($40,000), along with $4,000 in window work there;
• $35,000 in sod work at the soccer field;
• And about $5,000 of work on the district's alternative school building.

Scott City

In the Scott City district, superintendent Brian Lee said the total cost for several projects underway there is about $625,000 and is being funded through a bond issue that passed in 2015.

All three entrances to the local schools that share a building are being improved to provide greater security when parents pick up and drop off their children.

When that project is complete, drop windows will be added to the lobby areas with restricted access into the building, requiring parents to check in with the office first.

Previously, access to the building was unrestricted, Lee said.

Also underway are renovations to the cafeteria and some bathrooms.

"(These projects) may go to the start of the school year a little bit, but we're excited (about them), and we'll make any adjustments to get the changes we want," he said.

Perryville

Superintendent Scott Ireland, whose last day with Perry County's District 32 is Thursday, said a $60,000 repair is being made to the elementary school's roof, where the third grade is housed.

Weather and wind loosened the roof's rubber surface, which is being replaced to prevent leaks.

Among several other projects is a newly approved, $129,000 effort to build a new road to the middle school to alleviate congestion and provide a safer area for parents to pick up and drop off children.

A nearby parking lot will be shortened to serve as a safer spot for students coming and going.

"It will take the parents and kids off the main road," Ireland said.

Also at the middle school, a new wooden floor is being installed in the gym to replace a rubber surface that was cracking and peeling. That project will cost between $106,000 and $108,000.

Meanwhile, a drain pipe under the practice football field is being repaired, and a new air-conditioning system is being installed for the high-school library.

"(The old one) finally quit at the end of this year," Ireland said of the library's air conditioner.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652