Renovations to the Mars Area Middle School in southern Butler County are continuing on schedule and within budget.
Crews are working this week installing floor tiles, lights and plumbing, as well as painting rooms throughout the school, according to John Hays of Thomas & Williamson Project Management. Despite some weather delays, installation of the school’s new roof is continuing on schedule.
Work planned for the next month will include a new kitchen layout and floor in the cafeteria, as well as new sidewalks and asphalt.
Work in the new family & consumer sciences and robotics classrooms is “lagging behind” schedule; however, the rooms will be completed before the first day of school, according to Hays. The installation of the new gym floor has been delayed in order for crews to focus on other areas of the school and will not be completed until approximately two weeks after the start of school.
All of the work will not be completed when students they return to school. While the majority of the work is being completed during the summer, all remaining construction will take place after the start of the school year, but that work will take place after school hours.
“Even though we are on schedule, when the students return, it will not be done. It will not look completely finished,” said Dayle Ferguson, board president. “It is going to be exactly where we need it to be, but it won’t look done… and that is part of the plan.”
The overall project will include renovations to all classrooms; the installation of a new floor, new lighting and air conditioning in the gymnasium; the raising of the floor in The Commons (cafeteria); and the expansion of the kitchen/cafeteria serving area and the school’s LGI (Large Group Instruction) Room. New mechanical equipment, flooring and lighting will be installed throughout the building and all areas will be painted.
The guidance and nurse’s offices will be moved to the front of the building near the main office. The technology education classroom will be expanded into existing space; the school’s art and family and consumer science classrooms will be relocated and enlarged; and classrooms will be dedicated for “maker” and robotics labs.
The project is scheduled to be completed in December.
