“Everything is going very well,” De Ruyck stated. “I toured the site yesterday (Monday) and the work on the east side is getting done. The classrooms on the east side should be occupied again in the next week or so.”
While the work was ongoing, classrooms on the east could not be used. Due to this, classrooms were temporarily established in the school library and on the stage in the large gymnasium. As well, work prevented use of the smaller gym and cafeteria. With the work on the east side nearing completion, students will soon be able to make their way back to the renovated established classrooms.
“All of them will be moved back. The custodians have worked closely with the contractor on an ongoing basis, so when they get the go-ahead, they will work to get everything ready.”
De Ruyck added there would still be trim work to do in the classrooms, but that can be completed after school, so it will not delay occupation.
Of course, it will take time to get the temporary classroom spots, as well as the smaller gym, resource area and cafeteria back in order for their original purpose. The superintendent says that will continue further into November.
One of the differences staff and students will see is the natural light. De Ruyck said the bigger windows on the east classrooms will bring in more sun, and there are windows now in the small gym too, which will help as well.
Contractors are also in the process of hooking up the new boiler into the heating system. He said it is a very intricate and involved process, which takes a lot of expertise and experience to do properly. Right now, they are using temporary heating, but the new system will be ready for the colder months.
“It might seem to be cooler in some spaces,” De Ruyck said. “It might mean keeping your hoodie on, but it is definitely functional.”
He added there are features to the development people might miss, but are nonetheless important. He points to the roof work around the west entrance as a major upgrade.
“There is a lot there you can’t see from the highway.”
Not everything will be back to normal right away. De Ruyck said the bus and parent pick up will continue on Rae Street for the time being, with parents informed when they go back to their normal spot. As well, some landscaping will have to be left until the spring, but that does not impact operations.
Most projects like this have delays, and De Ruyck said he has never heard of one this size without some. But despite the weather issues recently, he feels the contractors are very close to the expected timeline. The $4 million renovations, paid by the Public Schools Finance Board, should also be close to budget as well.
He is very happy with the work and feels others should feel the same way.
“We’re very satisfied,” De Ruyck said. “They did a good job. The exterior looks great, the large windows will bring in more light, and the added insulation they put in under the new brick will make it more energy efficient, which will help with the energy bills and the overall building.”
PAUL RAYNER, Recorder Staff