Phase two of Plainedge School District's bond issue construction/renovation project, construction of the district's new middle school, began this summer. In preparation for the construction, residents in the Northedge vicinity were notified during the first week of July that construction was about to begin at the former Northedge School.

Construction crews began working on the interior demolition of the building July 11, and a security fence was erected. Asbestos removal began the third week in July and was completed by mid-August.

Demolition of the east and west wings of the building began Aug. 21, and will continue for the next month. The core of the building will remain, but all building systems, including plumbing, mechanical and electrical, will be removed within the next two months.

"After what seems like months and months of planning, we are happy to have broken ground on the district's new middle school," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. John A. Richman. "It is an enormous undertaking but we are excited about the prospects this new learning environment will provide for our students."

Bids for the construction portion of the project, which includes part modular and part standard construction, were opened Aug. 21. However, since bids came in over budget, plans are being modified. The new bid opening is scheduled in late October. The board of education is expected to award the bids within four to six weeks following the opening, and construction is expected to begin four to six weeks later.

During the summer, another bond issue project, renovation of all of the elementary school bathrooms and installation of new handicapped-accessible bathrooms, were completed in each elementary school. Punch list items were also completed at the elementary schools.

Plans for the first part of Phase Three of the project, renovations at Plainedge High School, were delivered to Albany Aug. 15. State Education Department approval is expected to take approximately 26 weeks. Included in this phase is complete renovation of the auditorium, including a new sound system, lighting, air conditioning, flooring and seating. If plans are approved as expected, renovations could begin in late winter, early spring.

Also scheduled this spring is the construction of a new bus compound at the back of the high school. The bus depot will be secured, and also be reconfigured with new lighting and paving.

All of the construction/renovation projects are part of the district's $53 million bond issue approved by voters in June 2001.