DEPEW SCHOOLS
Board gets good news on upgrades
“We’re not behind on anything,” Superintendent Kim Mueller said Tuesday in reporting to the Depew Board of Education about the status of the district’s $33 million capital improvement project.
Work began as soon as classes let out in June on renovations to existing classrooms, science labs, libraries and locker rooms at the high and middle schools along with improvements at Cayuga Heights Elementary and infrastructure improvements, including new roofing and facade improvements at the high school.
Also in connection with the capital project, the board — after a 50-minute executive session with an attorney for the school district — approved setting a special district meeting and referendum on a proposed upgrade to the artificial turf field.
Board Vice President Barbara Staebell, presiding in the absence of board President Steven Carmina, said details would be made available in a news release this morning.
The board also authorized Mueller to approve change orders for the capital project in consultation with the project architects in amounts not to exceed $20,000 in any single instance.
Mueller, reading from a report prepared by Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds John Wilson, gave the following progress report:
• Cayuga Heights — Demolition of the rotunda is nearly complete, and structural steel on the replacement is expected to go in next week. Asbestos abatement has been completed. Foundation and roadway relocation will begin soon after cable and power sources have been relocated.
• Middle School — Demolition of the old locker rooms is nearly complete; asbestos abatement is completed; and the parking lots are being prepped for new curbs and pavement.
• High School — Locker room demolition is nearly completed, and work has started on the plumbing update. Asbestos abatement is expected to be done within two weeks.
• Terrace Education Building — Asbestos abatement work has begun. About 50 percent of the roof replacement is completed. In fact, workmen could be heard on the roof during the board’s 5:30 p. m. meeting in the Terrace Boulevard building, which houses district administrative offices.
