School Renovations Almost Done

The Salem School Board was informed Tuesday night that renovation projects at the Barron, Lancaster and North Salem Schools reached "substantial completion" by the expected date of Aug. 15.

However, Salem School District Superintendent Michael Delahanty said work remains at all three schools and some of it is likely to continue after students arrive for their first classes on Aug. 31.

Delahanty told the board project architects and managers have signed off on an agreement saying the overall $22 million project was substantially complete as of Monday.

A lenghty "punch list" remains, Delahanty said. For example, Delahanty said the new floor at the Lancaster gym won't be available for use until around a week after the start of school.

Doors need to be installed for many classrooms, ceiling tiles need to be applied, washing and waxing has to be completed and carpeting needs to be installed in a number of areas at the schools, Delahanty said.

"We've had the building inspector out, the electrical inspector out and the life safety inspectors from the Fire Department out," Delahanty said. "From all indications as long as the life safety tests are completed appropriately at to their satisfaction, we'll have a certificate of occupancy at least verbally for when the teachers have to come back to the buildings on Monday."

Delahanty noted the amount of progress made at the three locations during the summer and commended all those involved on their work.

"The schools were as they had always been since the 1960s," he said. "There's been a tremendous push, with no corner-cutting, to get the work done."

Delahanty said residents will be "thrilled" with the final appearance of the schools.

"It's wonderful to see all the classrooms with fire alarms and sprinkler systems," board member Bernie Campbell said. "I just have my fingers crossed (everything will get done)."

Voters are expected to weigh renovations projects at the other three elementary schools (Fisk, Haigh and Soule) next year.