By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

During 2020, the Parkland School District has been conducting Phase I of the Schnecksville Elementary School project.

The effort covers renovations of all sections except the original 1926 portion which will be demolished at a later time.

Improvements to the 1962 wing and other additions include new roofing, plumbing and electrical updates, replacement of mechanical heating and ventilating systems, and cosmetic enhancements such as fresh paint and new flooring.

Bids for Phase I came in at $5.9 million, not including the floor work with a bid of $234,545.

At a recent meeting, the board approved an additional amount of $21,713 to cover items which were disturbed when wall panels and cabinets were removed.

Director of Community Relations and Development Nicole McGalla explained the status.

She said contractors have to fix a couple of items which were affected during removal of ceilings, cabinets and counters.

McGalla noted some asbestos were found, and a bathroom slab was affected.

Another additional cost is $7,844 for application of a waterproofing agent on the brick exterior of the gym.

She said the material should stop the leakage to get through another year but may require additional treatment in the future.

The board took action in 2019 to address anticipated enrollment growth in the Schnecksville area.

A preparatory phase was creation of four new classrooms in a garage area once used to house the Space Shuttle Blake learning center.

Those rooms provided flexibility for administrators to move students away from the renovation work which continues while school is in session.

The next phase of the Schnecksville improvement and enlargement plan will be construction of a new addition.