Tallmadgeexpress.com - by Don Johnson Tallmadge City Schools Business Director

by Don Johnson

Tallmadge City Schools
Business Director

There is so much going on at the site of the new high school, it's difficult to know where to begin. So, I will start by reporting the building remains on budget and on target for substantial completion by the end of June. The staff at the middle and high schools has begun making plans for packing and moving to their respective new spaces.

Just as it was when we were in the design phase, the "devil" is in the details. As we look to finishing off each area of the building the "details" now hinge on a coordinated effort in terms of scheduling and sequencing the final work. We have been fortunate to have the cooperation of our tradesmen and we have had no problems to-date with the delivery of materials. We meet with representatives of our eight contractors on a twice-weekly basis to keep on top of the work. Completing the project also means passing the inspections required by city and state building, fire and safety codes. These inspections are done on an ongoing basis as each area is finished -- again, so we stay on track.

The two classroom wings and the gymnasium are nearly finished. Flooring in all classrooms is complete, as is the painting. Tack boards and dry erase boards are up. Classroom desks and other loose furniture for the building have been ordered.

Painting in the gym is also done and the installers are currently nailing down the hardwood floor. Gym equipment with the exception of the scoreboard is on-site, ready for installation. We're pleased local contractors bid on the opportunity to build the trophy cases in the gymnasium hallway.

Because it is the hub of the building, the student dining or commons, as it is called, was a staging area for other parts of the building. With the academic wings done, we can focus our attention on the finishing that needs to be done here. This will be the last area to see the terrazzo floor poured. While we would like to be farther ahead in the auditorium wing, we are catching up. In addition to the theater space, this area houses some of the specialty classrooms including art, music, mod tech and drama that require unique installations, such as hoods, kilns, practice rooms, storage space, etc.

Toilet fixtures are being installed. Locker installation should be completed shortly. The elevator is in. Seeding and final placement of landscape materials will begin the first week of May. Concrete work on the sidewalks and entrances is underway. The final paving will come at the end of the project when the construction traffic is gone. I visit the site at least once every day and we are at a point where the progress is visible from morning to afternoon. It is very exciting and we are looking forward to opening the building for all to see and take pride in.