Renovations at Columbia Central High School Continue

Recently I watched a home renovation program on the television.  It was interesting how the people looked at homes that were in poor shape, and then through the magic of television in a half hour, the home was completely renovated and looked like new!  They tore down walls, replaced windows and doors and painted everything. 

On December 1^st at Columbia Central High School we embarked on a gigantic renovation.  Currently the renovation of Columbia Central is focused on the southeast wing.  Much like the television renovation programs, we tore down ceilings and walls, removed windows and doors, and in a month will be painting the new walls.  Initially, the construction workers focused on demolition.  They tore down walls, gutted restrooms, and removed old dusty duct work. 

On one occasion I was checking on the renovations and in one area the heating and air conditioning workers were putting up ducts, while in another area the demolition crew was preparing to break through a block wall.  It has been amazing to follow all of the updates and renovations.  Over the past couple of weeks, the duct work has been going up, and the studs for the walls are being installed.  At the end of last week Consumer’s Power began their work moving a gas line south of the Columbia Community Fitness Center.  The move will make room for the new locker rooms for the seventh and eighth grade students.

In April the renovations will move to the band room, the choir room and the psychology classroom.  Beginning in June the balance of Columbia Central High School will go under extensive renovations.  The doors and windows will be removed and replaced, the electrical and technology infrastructure will be upgraded, and there will be new heating and air conditioning units and duct work.  This summer there will be site work performed at Columbia Central High School to separate parent drop off and bus traffic in addition to upgrading the parking lot, the tennis courts and the track.

Columbia Elementary, Middle and Options will also undergo extensive renovations beginning in June.  Renovations will include the installation of new heating and air conditioning, new windows and doors, updated plumbing and fixtures, and upgraded electrical and technology infrastructure.  Much like the excitement we see on the faces of the participants in the renovation television programs, our community members, students and staff members will feel a renewed sense of pride following our school building makeovers.

There are already new technology devices that have been purchased at Columbia Schools.  Both Columbia Central High School and Columbia Middle School have received four mobile carts of Chrome book laptops.  Columbia Elementary has iPads and will receive additional devices to be used next fall after the wireless infrastructure is updated.  Columbia Options has new laptops which are used at school by our online sixth through twelfth graders and our adult education students.  You may follow the renovation progress online by going to the Columbia homepage at www.myeagles.org and clicking on the Restore the Soar Facebook page.  If you have questions about Columbia School District email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call me at 5175926641.