Maumee City Schools is making progress on $45.7 million in construction projects at its school buildings, so the district is preparing to showcase some finished areas at open houses later this month.
Renovations began over the summer and are continuing at Maumee High School, Gateway Middle School, and Fairfield and Wayne Trail elementary schools. Construction at these schools is scheduled for completion by December.
"Right now, all four buildings are two or three months ahead of schedule," Superintendent Greg Smith said.
The high school, middle school, and Fairfield and Wayne Trail schools will be open to the public on Jan. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At the high school, crews have installed new lockers throughout the first floor. Remodeling of science rooms on the second floor is set to be finished by the end of the month. Work also is moving forward on the library and media center, which should be done by early March.
The middle school cafeteria is scheduled to be done by March, and the building now has a refurbished chorus room and second floor.
"On the second floor, it looks like you're looking down a brand new hallway, even though it was built in 1938," Mr. Smith said.
Fairfield and Wayne Trail schools recently opened new classroom wings, and by the end of the month, remodeling will be finished in Fairfield's library and Wayne Trail's gym.
Construction is ongoing at the new performing arts center on the high school campus and at the new Fort Miami Elementary School. The performing arts center is on schedule to be finished by late April, Mr. Smith said, and the new elementary school will likely be done in about a year. He said most of the underground plumbing and electrical work for the new school has been done, but laying the foundation has been delayed.
"December was a tough month because of the rain and the cold," Mr. Smith said. "The contractors are doing everything possible to keep things going."
The construction projects, except for the performing arts center, are being funded by a bond issue and operating levy approved by voters in May, 2003. The measures will raise $42 million.
The $3.7 million performing arts center will be paid for by private donations and the district's sale of Rolf Park to Maumee.