NEW BLOOMFIELD - Students and staff returning to New Bloomfield schools next month will notice improvements to curb appeal.
The district's construction projects will dominate the board of education's meeting tonight.
"The only real discussion would be about the progress of the building project," Superintendent David Tramel said. "I think the board is anxious to learn about the status of the project."
This summer, the school district is upgrading its roof, windows and doors, repaving parking lots, updating bathrooms, upgrading electrical wiring and adding more access points for internet connectivity. The extensive upgrades will cost $1.9 million and are funded by a bond issue passed by district residents.
According to Tramel, the construction project is on schedule but without wiggle room. The recent rain and inclement weather has caused delays in the project that have eaten up all the extra time budgeted by the contractors.
"The last couple of weeks here have been a little slow because of the weather, but business has really picked up the last few days. All projects are on schedule," he said. "We met yesterday and had a progress check. (Initially), the contractors had planned for (bad weather)."
A lot of the projects are necessary improvements that were not feasible during the economic downturn that started several years ago.
"Basically, a good portion of what we're doing is delayed maintenance," Tramel said. "Due to the economy a few years ago, we weren't able to do them."
Improvements to the parking lot and the exterior of the building will be most noticeable to students and residents, he said.
"I think the first things the students are going to see are the parking lots looking fresh. When patrons drive by, they'll enjoy the view," he said. "With the street approaching the school and the entries, I think the curb appeal is going to be a dramatic change. A lot of the things they will see and touch on a daily basis will be replaced."
Tramel said excitement at the district surrounding the upgrades is increasing.
"In a couple of weeks, it will really take shape. It's getting pretty exciting, which it better be, because in three-and-a-half weeks, children will be here," he said. "We really would like to find some way to bring residents in to take a look at it when it's done."
The meeting will be at 6 p.m. tonight at the New Bloomfield R-III Central Office Meeting Room, 307 Redwood Dr.