A construction project designed to make the school building more accessible will take place over the summer as scheduled, despite the fact it will cost $323,354 more than originally expected.

The decision was made at a Special Board of Education meeting that took place on Dec. 5. 

The planned  improvements include a wheelchair lift as well as a wheelchair-accessible vertical platform that will be made from a current custodial closet. This project, named the Summer 2025 Capital Improvement Project, is separate from Project 2, the construction of a new athletic wing on the southeast corner of the school. 

The proposal itself was approved on June 6 at an estimated cost of $4,192,286. The original plans called for  working on Project 2 to oversee the construction. 

However, at the Nov. 21 meeting, the school board determined that an additional site superintendent and project manager will need to be hired to oversee this new project, bringing the new total project cost to an estimated $4,515,640.00. 

The board’s options were to either “accept the bid as-is” or  to delay the project. The board voted to move forward with the project despite the fact it is costing them extra funds.