NEW CUMBERLAND — Several improvement projects are advancing in Hancock County Schools, in preparation for the upcoming school year and the future.

The Hancock County Board of Education, during its meeting Monday, approved five bids for projects which were included as part of the bond levy approved by voters in November.

“We have numerous projects going on; one on top of the other,” Superintendent Dan Enich said.

Bids approved included the purchase of metal and weapons detectors through Lauttamus Communications, for a total cost of $222,541.20; paving at Weirton Elementary School from Alex Paris Construction for $44,727; construction of storage buildings, a salt shed and concrete work by Zastudil for $315,000; the installation of a safety window film at certain facilities by National Glazing Solutions for $79,532.70; and installation of sound systems by DC Music at a cost of $18,899.99 per system.

Officials noted the approved project would include new systems at both Weir Middle School and Weir High School.

“We’re doing two separate builds,” Assistant Superintendent Dave Smith explained, adding the total would be $37,799.98.

Participating by telephone, Safety Coordinator Gerard Spencer noted there are plans for 13 units with the purchase, at a cost of $18,200 each. The purchase also includes a two-year warranty.

“They’ll come and train our people,” he said.

In addition to those approved projects, school officials provided an update on a few of the previously approved efforts, including paving at the high schools.

“Oak Glen is paved and striping is all done,” explained Kasey Arnott, director of facilities and maintenance.

Arnott further announced paving would begin this week at the Weir High School campus.

Work at the Transportation Department is approximately half-way complete, according to Transportation Director Mark Dziatkowicz.

Under the call of the levy, all schools and related facilities are set to receive security upgrades, along with parking lot improvements, with the high schools receiving improvements to their gymnasiums and theaters, middle schools getting gymnasium improvements, most buildings getting HVAC upgrades, all three of the county’s elementary schools receiving new outdoor play areas, and Weirton Elementary receiving a new access road onto the property.