DECATUR -- The Decatur High School renovation project is proceeding as planned, with the foundation work continuing through the remainder of the year.
During the Decatur school board meeting on Nov. 16 at Decatur Middle School and via Zoom, Decatur superintendent of schools Steve Watkins gave an update on the project.
Watkins was joined by members of Kinco Constructors LLC, general contractors for the project, and Architecture Plus, project architect. They reported that the groundwork and plumbing are proceeding on schedule. The recent heavy rains over the past two weeks did not affect the groundwork schedule.
But a major problem with the roof over the fifth- and sixth-grade end of Decatur Middle School occurred sometime after the Nov. 14 strong storm system that brought heavy rains and high winds to the area.
Leaks over the area prompted Watkins and Doug Holley, director of transportation and maintenance, to explore repair options to the roof of the school which had sustained damage during a similar storm event prior to the reopening as Decatur Middle School in 2016.
Material for the high school cafeteria and renovation project arrived on Nov. 16. It was off-loaded to the Peterson Gym parking lot where it will remain until needed.
Watkins commended the progress of the project after the Monday night meeting.
"We are excited to see the progress being made on the new facilities for our students and community. The first phase of the project is on schedule for completion in fall 2021," Watkins said. "The project showcases exactly what the Decatur School District wanted to exhibit in the new facility that is the first point of contact for visitors to the school. It is a facility that the school and community can be proud of for years to come."
