Renovations to Schnecksville Elementary School began in May with contractors and the school district following safety guidance requirements issued by the commonwealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director of School Services David Keppel anticipates the project will be ahead of schedule as the building is presently unoccupied.

Phase I, to update and enlarge the building over three years, will involve improvements to every section of the structure except the original part which opened in the late 1920s.

At a recent meeting, the board awarded bids of $5.867 million to 10 different contractors who will provide improvements to the facility which involves additions from 1962-2003.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak reports Phase I includes cosmetic matters such as fresh paint, new floors and new ceiling tiles; Americans With Disability Act updates; and replacement of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.

New lighting, water lines, plumbing and electrical components will be installed as needed for the renovations.

Sniscak noted the flooring work was rebid to obtain lower costs.

He explained Phase II will be construction of a new addition in the southwestern portion of the property, scheduled to begin next year when school ends in 2021.

Sniscak said Phase II will include site work for a parent/child drop-off and pickup area on the east side and development of a bus loop on the west side.

He stated the 1920s building will be removed during summer 2022, considered Phase II of the project.

In an overview presented by professional consultants to the board in December 2019, total cost of the project was listed as $23,241,232.

When completed, Schnecksville Elementary will have availability for four sections of each grade from kindergarten through grade five, plus additional space for art, music, a TV studio, STEM, learning support, Title I, a reading specialist, and a few more options adding up to 37 total classroom units.