By Darragh Doiron
The News staff writer
Dirt and framework has transformed into masonry and walls at Port Neches-Groves High School and principal Mark Keith says he’s as excited as teachers about the progress.
“For the high school project, things are moving along pretty good this summer,” Keith said about the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District’s bond construction projects.
Keith said it has been dusty for the band members, Indianettes and cheerleaders who have already returned to the campus for practice, but everyone is excited and patient.
“We’re going to be a little bit inconvenienced with what’s going on. In the long run, we know it’s going to be worth it because the building is going to be much more functional,” Keith said.
Additions and renovations of the PN-G High School are progressing on schedule, Dr. Lani Randall, PN-GISD Superintendent, reports, with the south athletic area seeing “significant work over the summer with continued work planned into the fall.” By Christmas break, the board anticipates completion of the new concession/restroom/batting cage building, tennis courts, site drainage area and parking lot.
Contractors report the new classroom building has some challenges with the section that ties into the existing building encountering several hidden utilities which had to be rerouted before the foundation started.
Summer work has included re-roofing the existing building, installation of HVAC water lines, renovation of the existing boy’s gymnasium area including restrooms, the cheerleaders practice area, and the creation of a girls’ weight room. The several phases of this project has a final projected completion date of fall, 2010.
Superintendent Randall also reports that the elementary school renovation projects are on schedule, with all campuses receiving some work. Work includes replacing sanitary sewage lines, installation of grease traps for kitchens, replacement of entry door hardware as needed, security doors, replacement of walkway covers, and flooring replacement. Plumbing will be completed by the start of school with a total completion of all of the work expected by early fall, Randall reports.
In mid July, contractors updated the board that completion of Phase I of the new Groves and Port Neches Middle Schools is set for Nov. 30. Move-in is set for the Christmas break. Phase II of the projects will begin after the new schools are moved in with an anticipated completion of mid spring.
Phase II includes the demolition of the existing school buildings, installation of additional parking, and playing fields at Port Neches Middle School. The PN-G Stadium achieved substantial completion at the beginning of the summer and the contractor is in the process of finalizing this project. The PN-GISD Board of Trustees approved a modification to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seating configuration on April 28. According to the contractor, this work is scheduled to start on August 1, 2009 and be complete by August 15, 2009, Randall continued.
ddoiron@panews.com
