The addition and renovation project to the older portion of the Salem School building is running on schedule and below budget.
The project is adding seven classrooms, expanding others and updating a number of other systems and facilities including some bathrooms, heating and air conditioning and roofing.
That’s not to say there haven’t been some glitches. Some additional asbestos removal was needed, for example, David Milz, district administrator, said. But in the end aspects that have taken longer have been offset by others that went faster than expected.
“Right now everything is on schedule,” Milz said. “It’s really taking shape out there.”
Board member Larry Kamin reported the project is running about $200,000 under budget now. If there’s a surplus at the end, money could be used elsewhere for anything mentioned in the referendum that approved the spending, said Peter Geissal, business manager.
Maintenance supervisor Gary Aull deserves much of the credit for both the under budget and on schedule status of the project, Milz said. Aull has been keeping a close and hands-on watch on the project’s progress and has been able to address issues before they become more complicated.
“It’s like having your own personal pit bull out there,” Milz said.
The renovations are scheduled to be completed by Aug. 20. The addition is scheduled to be done by the end of the year.
A photo gallery of the work can be viewed at the school’s website.