It’s been decades since a new school was built in Iola, so it’s important to do it right, USD 257 board president Dan Willis said.
As students enjoy the new science building at the high school and improved HVAC systems at the middle school, and as construction continues on a new elementary school, Willis provided an update on the projects.
In particular, he talked about the challenges of masonry work during a pandemic, and why that process has been so important to the future of the building.
For example, some of the brick work at the science building has been torn out and replaced because it didn’t meet expectations of the three parties involved: the school district, its architect and its general contractor.
“We are setting a high bar,” Willis said of the masonry work. “USD 257 doesn’t get to open a new building very often, so we are going to get this right.”
FIRST, an update on the projects in general.
The middle school HVAC project and science building are “substantially complete” and students are enjoying the use of those facilities.
The district saved $64,519.99 on the HVAC project, but is required to transfer those savings to other parts of the projects instead of saving it or using it to pay down the debt. That savings was used to add some additional projects to the science building, which came in at $26,261.85, or .004% over budget.
Those additional projects included upgrades to the audio visual system in the commons area ($33,782); and additional patio area and benches ($38,812). The district saved more than $113,230 by removing some projects, including no lawn irrigation and sod, no solid waste enclosure and by not paving the alley.
Students started using the building Oct. 4. A few projects remain outstanding, including a door between the commons and robotics room that will be installed over Christmas break, and an impressive audio visual display in the commons area.
MORE THAN half of construction has been completed at the elementary school at Kentucky and Monroe streets.
The framework for each of the classroom wings has been completed to the point of being weather-tight. Interior finishes will begin in those areas, along with the special education wing and the library.
You may have noticed a taller second story mezzanine through the center of the building. Willis calls that “the penthouse” for the HVAC and mechanical equipment. It’s expected to add to the life expectancy of the mechanical equipment.
Much of the work currently is focused on completing the mezzanine, so mechanical equipment can be installed to help crews work on things like paint and sheetrock.
“The beautiful weather of late is making us feel more comfortable with the promised June 2022 completion date,” Willis said.
