New Year Brings New Look to Local School

When students at St. Michael's School return to school in two weeks they may notice some not so subtle changes to the building.

First there will be a new walkway from Alden Street to the side entrance of the school.

"We're concerned about the safety of the students coming into the building," said Father John McGovern, the church's pastor.  He said the walkway will be marked off and will just be used for students entering and exiting the building.

The front steps of the school are also being replaced. McGovern said they were badly damaged.

"The building is aging and it needs to be maintained," he said. The building is more than 75 years old.

The change the school's approximately 300 students may find most exciting is the auditorium has been repainted and sanded. McGovern said it used to be dark and dreary inside.

"We painted it with light colors so hopefully it will bring some life to the school," he said.

McGovern said school officials are also looking into getting air conditioning for the auditorium.  He said they're just waiting on price estimates.

The money for the renovations is coming from $1.75 million the congregation raised, according to McGovern. The school's roof was replaced about a year ago.

He said some of the money is also being used to make repairs to the church building.

A handicapped bathroom is being put inside the church, as well as an elevator. McGovern said crews are going to replace the brick wall surrounding the church.