Construction continues to move forward at East Elementary. As we continue this project while school is in session, our focus remains on maintaining a safe, secure, and functional learning environment for our students and staff while allowing the construction team to make steady progress. As shared previously, the East Elementary project will continue and not be concluded until the summer of 2027.
ONGOING / COMPLETED WORK
Electrical: The underground electrical inspection was completed and passed
.
Backfilling: Interior areas were backfilled following the successful completion of the required inspections.
Structural Steel: The first steel was erected on September
12–13
, with additional steel erection scheduled to continue.
Owner Training: Owner training was completed on September
17
for the new air-handling units and the new fire alarm panel.
Exterior Metal Panels: Metal panel installation on the south
end of the building has been completed
, with crews now moving toward the north wing.
Fire Safety: The first fire drill with students was conducted on Friday
, September 18,
as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that students and staff are prepared to respond appropriately during any emergency.
LOOKING AHEAD
Work scheduled for the coming week includes:
Selective demolition in preparation for the new concrete slab.
Continued preparation for the addition's concrete slab.
Completion of steel detailing and decking.
Required steel inspections following the completion of steel work.
Continued metal panel installation along the east side of the building, progressing north.
Additional steel erection beginning September
19
.
Continued installation of metal panels and plywood on the north wing.
Completion of remaining interior school punch-list items.
Continued mechanical rough-in work for RTU
#2
.
NEXT WEEK — PUNCH-LIST AND BUILDING WORK
E&L
The following items are scheduled to be addressed:
Clean and organize the corridor behind the temporary wall.
Begin exterior EIFS demolition in preparation for steel work.
Install paper towel and soap dispensers in Rooms
207, 209, 211, and 217
.
Remove the whiteboards at the end of the hallway and replace them with tack boards.
Address the bathroom door lock in Room
205
.
Install remaining locks
.
Install floor base along the cafeteria wall and in Storage Room
117
, and seal the concrete.
Shoreline
Adjust the cafeteria double-door locks.
East Elementary Construction: Safety Remains Our Number One Priority
As construction continues at East Elementary while school is in session, the safety and security of our students and staff remains our number one priority. Having students and staff in the building while major construction, equipment, deliveries, and contractors are operating requires constant communication, coordination, and attention to safety.
Last week, Thursday, the District Safety Team held its first meeting of the school year, and East Elementary construction was a significant part of the discussion. The Safety Team includes three Board of Education members, the District SRO, the County Emergency Management Director, Director of Facilities, and the Superintendent. All building principals are invited to participate each month as well and encouraged to share any building concerns they may have with the District Safety Team.
The District Safety Team will continue to monitor the ELE project, with special attention to:
Keeping construction areas secured and separated from students and staff.
Maintaining safe, clean, and secure student drop-off and pick-up areas.
Coordinating camera adjustments or outages caused by construction and implementing additional
security measures and adult supervision when necessary
.
Maintaining proactive communication among building principals, the Safety Team, SRO, and construction leadership.
Monitoring the movement of construction equipment, deliveries, materials, and workers.
Continuing annual and required emergency preparedness, fire safety, evacuation procedures, and building-access reviews throughout construction.
We also want to thank the parents, staff, and community members who continue to communicate questions and concerns with us. We welcome that communication. As this project continues, we will continue to address concerns to the best of our ability, communicate with those who need to know, and make safety adjustments whenever necessary.
Our goal remains simple: complete this important renovation project while providing our students and staff with a safe, secure, and productive learning environment each day.
Spencer S. Byrd - Superintendent