Three school projects in high gear

Work continues on more than $8 million of improvements to three Coudersport Area School District properties. Much of the work will be completed in time for the start of classes in the fall.

Included in the construction contracts are a new early childhood education wing and other improvements at the elementary school; drainage and new buildings at Coudersport Area Recreation Park (CARP); and cafeteria renovations at the high school.

School Superintendent George Nuffer, whose contract with the district expires on June 30, has been overseeing the work following months of deliberations and funding arrangements, followed by school board approval last November.

Contracts were awarded by the school district in December and work began the following month.

Here's a rundown.

Elementary School: J.C. Orr and Son of Altoona is general contractor, at a cost of $1.92 million. Other contracts were awarded to Schoonover Plumbing and Heating, Canton, for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, $1.35 million; D. K. Controls, Williamsport, $937,000, electrical work; Eshenauers Fuels Inc., Harrisburg, plumbing, $128,000. The school district expects to recover the approximately $100,000 being spent on a more efficient lighting system in less than two years, due to lower electric bills. Natural gas bills should also drop dramatically as a result of a more efficient heating and cooling system. Scope of work: eight classrooms for a new early childhood education wing; air conditioning and automatic temperature controls throughout the building; new student drop-off section for bus traffic.

CARP: Orr and Son was awarded the general contract for $1.86 million. Electrical contactor is Dave Kronenwetter, Kersey, for $348,000. Other contracts went to Montgomery Brothers of Altoona for plumbing, $142,000; Eschenauers Fuels Inc. for heating and ventilation, $38,800. Scope of work: new all-weather track, 400 meters long with six lanes; new bleachers on home and visitors side; new fieldhouse with locker rooms, public rest rooms and storage; new press box, lighting and sound system; extensive drainage work.

High School: General contract went to Orr for $337,253. Plumbing contractor is Silver Tip Inc., for $72,000. Mazza Mechanical Services of Olean, N.Y., was awarded the heating and ventilation contract, at $56,200. Electrical contract went Kronenwetter for $54,125. A separate contract for food service construction/ equipment went to HRI Supply & Design Inc. of Erie for $213,800. Scope of work: expanded dining area with food court; new kitchen equipment.

About $7 million of the expense is coming from debt through a bond issue. The district amassed nearly $1 million in its capital projects and cafeteria funds, achieved through higher investment returns and gradual savings to prepare for the three projects. Only the work at the elementary school qualifies for partial state reimbursement.