Ehler: schools will open on schedule

Following a school board meeting earlier this week in which doubts were raised over the completion of construction projects, board members issued assurances that the school year will begin as scheduled.

“Across the district school will be starting on time and that includes the Middle School and West,” said Sidney Public Schools superintendent Jay Ehler. “There may still be some work going on, but it will cause little or no interference to the school day.”

The issue was raised when contractors on projects upgrading windows, entryways and climate control systems reported that work may not be completed on time. However, the crews plan to extend their hours in order to finish the most intrusive aspects by August 13, when teachers report.

“All the work in classrooms will be done, so that won’t affect the students,” Ehler explained. “The crews may have to close off non-classroom areas to complete the work.”

Two local contractors--Wamsley Construction and Day & Night Plumping & Heating are completing the projects and earned praise from Ehler for their willingness to meet the short time frame.

New alternate control heating and cooling systems are being installed at Sidney Middle School and West Elementary. Energy efficient windows and doors are going into the Middle School.

“We are anxious to have these projects completed,” Ehler said. “They will be great improvements for the school district and the community.”

School begins on August 18.