EHS renovations nearly complete

From staff reports

RICHMOND -- There was a new look at Edison High School when students and staff returned to class on Aug. 24, but work is continuing through October.

The original structure, which dates back to 1939, underwent a makeover during the summer as part of an estimated $2.8 million renovation project. Rooms throughout the building received new lighting, drywall, drop ceilings and a coat of paint, but the planned HVAC installation is expected to wind down next month.

School started one day later due to cleanup and classroom preparations, but some crews still were onsite adding ceiling tiles.

Principal Matt Morrison said the majority of improvements have been completed and workers have been accommodating to the school schedule.

"The renovation project's nearly complete. The rooms are wonderful," Morrison said. "It's basically like being in a brand new school."

He said the students and staff looked forward to the project's completion, and crews from Limbach Co. LLC worked during after-school hours to finalize the HVAC installation.

The district contracted with Brewer-Garrett Co. of Cleveland as the design-and-build firm, and financing for the upgrades comes from a 2-mill, five-year emergency renewal levy voters passed in 2014. Since then, Edison has contracted with such companies as Limbach, which was overseeing the project and performs mechanical work; LM Construction of St. Clairsville, construction; and Dickey Electric of Lisbon, electrical improvements.

Officials said work is being performed by contractors outside the area but they are utilizing a work force from local unions to complete the project.

The HVAC unit will heat and cool much of the building, with the exception of the kitchen and gym, while the band room and VoAg classroom have self-contained air conditioning units. Additional improvements were made throughout the last school term, including new lockers and restrooms on the second and third floors and new windows installed.

The gym received a fresh coat of paint from contractors, while the district hired a summer paint crew and college students as part of the summer work program through the Jefferson County Community Action Council.

"The original building looks almost as if it's a new school," said Superintendent Bill Beattie. "We painted most of that building to spruce things up," Beattie added. "We're continuing to work on the HVAC portion of the project."

Further improvements across the campus included a $41,000 makeover of the press box, including paint work, an electrical upgrade and new windows on the interior and a new roof outside; a new barn/storage building for the agricultural program behind the FFA greenhouse; and repairs to the FFA greenhouse that was damaged by high winds this past spring.