North Royalton School Superintendent Greg Gurka stated that the school construction projects are moving ahead very well and administration is looking forward to getting the keys to the new elementary school in the next few weeks. He added, “if anyone would like a brick from the old High School, there’s a pile of them by the construction trailers. You can help yourself to how ever many you would like.” (Note: the bricks will be available only until tomorrow, May 21.) Gurka is referring to the bricks that were part of the demolition of the 1950s and 60s section of the High School, which began on May 3. The demolition, which is the north end of the existing building, nearest Ridge Road, is expected to be complete near the end of this month. That space will be utilized for student parking to replace the parking area that was taken to install the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) addition.
In addition to the development of the student parking lot, the construction plan for the High School, which is expected to be completed this fall, will include the renovation of the music, art, family and consumer science area; the entry courtyard and the new front facade.
The new North Royalton Elementary School, located on State Road, just south of Valley Parkway, is in the midst of finishing touches. The furniture and playground equipment is being delivered and installed. The installation of the sewer line is being completed and the widening of the road in the front of the building is set to start soon. That widening will include the addition of a turning lane, which will allow vehicles to easily enter the school driveway. The North Royalton Elementary School building currently is on schedule to open on August 30.
The work at the North Royalton Middle School includes the continuation of HVAC and heat pump work. A new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant ramp is being installed at that athletic area entrance. The media center is being renovated. The configuration of the fifth and sixth grade pod areas is being changed to incorporate more of an area for group learning and a new STEM room is being created from an open area outside the pods.
Bids are currently being sought for the demolition of Valley Vista and Albion Elementary schools. The results of the bids will be evaluated by the construction manager and then shared with the Board of Education. It is expected that the Board will make a decision later this summer, and if approved, the buildings are expected to be demolished by fall of this year.
The possibility of Royal View Elementary being utilized as an administration/Board of Education office is being discussed. A trailer outside the current Board of Education office is currently housing some administrators. The Board of Education is also considering converting the current Board of Education office into a visiting team locker room. Currently, the visiting team utilizes the boys’ locker room at the High School. According to district officials, this change would allow the District to hold play-off games at their facility.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer