submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist, Berlin Central School District
Phase 2 of the $6.8 million Capital Improvement construction project at Berlin Elementary and Berlin Middle School/High School is running on schedule as the District gears up for the start of school. The project will be complete by August 29 – in time for the first day of school on September 4.
Among the list of upgrades to the Middle School/High School is a new roof, electronic controls for the heating and ventilation system, new instructional and storage spaces, a tile floor in the cafeteria, classroom reconfiguration and an emergency shutoff system for the gas supply in the science rooms.
The Berlin Elementary School has had a majority of the utilities infrastructure renovated including a new boiler, new heater coils, radiators and controls, an improved ventilation system, new classrooms, renovated instructional spaces and a new science investigation laboratory. The elevator is currently being installed, and every room in the building received electrical upgrades.
The main portico entrance to the building is currently underway with new columns, and the building is being restored to the original design. The character and charm of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era construction remains the hallmark of the Elementary School.
Because the project was under budget the District was able to allocate funds to creating two additional classrooms and a new music room in the Elementary School. This will allow the District the opportunity to remove the modular classrooms installed in 1967. These funds also made it possible to renovate an existing space into a science investigation laboratory.
These additional projects are in progress, and it is anticipated that they’ll be finished by or within the first few weeks of school. Should the work continue past the first day of school, the school will follow a contingency plan. Classrooms will temporarily utilize the modular space, and the music room will relocate to a space in the cafeteria or gymnasium until the work is complete. The science instruction was scheduled to take place in the classrooms at the beginning of the year therefore any possible delay would not affect students or staff.
“We look forward to welcoming students and staff to our newly improved buildings on September 4,” said Berlin CSD Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young. “The health and safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance and with these improvements, Berlin can better provide students a high quality and enriched education, while also providing a safe and comfortable work environment for our students and staff alike.”
