Bond projects moving forward

First-graders will have an easier time visiting the restrooms when they return to Fritsch Elementary School this fall.

A new hallway is being constructed, linking the classrooms to the bathrooms and eliminating the need for students to walk outside on their way there.

"That will be a tremendous help," Principal Dave Aalbers said. "It helps teachers maintain supervision over the kids. If somebody wanders onto the campus, it's dangerous to have our kids outside the classroom."

Construction projects are under way across the Carson City School District as part of the 2000 bond to update old systems, replace broken fixtures and make schools safer.

"We're off to a good start," said Mike Mitchell, the district's director of operations. "Of course, it's easy to tear things apart -- it's harder to put them back together."

However, he said construction crews have so far been on schedule and he anticipates projects will be completed by the time school starts Aug. 23.

He said he is pleased with the progress made so far on the $18 million bond projects.

"The scope of the work that we've been able to do and the money allocated to each project match our original estimates," he said. "We feel good about our ability to follow through with the completion."

Work has begun to renovate two classrooms into chemistry laboratories at Carson High School and the heating and air conditioning systems are being replaced there and at the Corbett School and at Bordewich-Bray Elementary School.

Officials are laying new concrete at Carson Middle School and renovating the gym floor, bathrooms and locker rooms.

In addition to the hallway, Fritsch Elementary School will see a larger library, a new centralized office location and updated bathrooms.

"Every student is going to benefit because we're going to have a nicer and safer environment," Aalbers said. "The bond issue has been a phenomenal help for this building that's over 40 years old. We're extremely grateful to the community for passing the bond and helping us provide a quality education for our children."

Construction is set to begin on renovations planned at Eagle Valley Middle School and Empire and Seeliger elementary schools within the next two weeks.

Projects at the Bray building and the Gleason Complex are being delayed pending the outcome of the $3.75-million bond sought in November's election to replace modulars infested with toxic mold with a permanent addition to the Bordewich building.