ECS a work in progress

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — For much of the summer, Eldred Central High School (ECS) was like an island, surrounded by a moat of mud, according to ECS superintendent Berneice Brownell. The mucky mess, created by an over-abundance of rainfall, heavily impacted construction activities occurring at the school throughout that time, resulting in a one-day delay to opening day and slowing ongoing efforts to complete and open a new addition by mid-October.

Even so, major strides have been made since April, including the complete replacement of the aging school’s plumbing, heating and electrical infrastructure. New tile lines the walls. All old windows have been replaced with new energy performance windows. Two new science rooms are receiving finishing touches. Bathrooms have been completely refurbished and two new bathrooms have been added.

A new elevator provides handicapped access to the entire structure. New locker rooms are being completed and lockers replaced throughout the school. Two new hallways were constructed to connect the main structure with a new addition that will house a large multipurpose room and three classrooms. The “1956 wing,” underwent major upgrades due to structural integrity issues.

New outdoor fencing and sidewalks are in place, and blacktopping of all parking areas is underway. A soccer field, currently being used as a staging area, will be restored at the project’s end. A drop ceiling was removed in the gym to allow for natural light to enter through skylights in the roof. Additional entrances and exits have been added and all doors will, ultimately, be replaced.

Still underway are updates to the school’s kitchen, which received an electrical overhaul, along with new ceramic tile on the walls and floor. Installation of a cooking hood is delayed until its arrival later this month. Brownell doesn’t expect the kitchen to be operational until the end of September. Meanwhile, students are adapting to bagged lunches that are being prepared at McKenzie grade school in Glen Spey and transported to the high school.

A delay in the arrival of the new lockers has caused students to have to backpack their books throughout the day, but has also resulted in a temporary decrease in noise, much to the delight of some faculty members who would appreciate the noise reduction on a more permanent basis.

One unexpected benefit to the delays has been the chance to put the new facility into use and tweak any issues that arise, such as two plumbing leaks that have since been repaired.

“The kids and teachers have acclimated very well,” said Brownell. “The project addresses major needs for the school, and continuing to see daily progress helps keep everyone happy.”

“I was more nervous about what might happen than what did happen,” said principal Scott Krebbs. “It’s gone very well.” Krebbs and Brownell both acknowledged the cooperation and support of teachers, students, staff and parents.

Water tests have come back clear; there are no open issues with the New York State Department of Health; a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the new wing; and the project is currently on budget.

“We’ll make it shine later,” said Brownell. “For now, it’s clean and functional. When it’s all said and done, it will be something we all can be proud of.”

The administration is committed to a transparent process and welcomes questions about the project. Tours of the facility are available to any interested party. Contact Brownell at brownellb@eldred.k12.ny.us or call 845/456-1100, ext. 5129 for more information.