School starts in about a month.
That fact alone might raise the anxiety level of most students, parents and teachers. For those in USD 257, it’s even more daunting.
There’s just a handful of weeks to finish construction of the new Iola Elementary School, get approval from the fire marshal and move in before an open house on Aug. 16. School starts Aug. 17.
The new school is still on track to open, but the timeline has gotten a bit tighter.
School board members got the latest update on the construction project from board president Dan Willis.
He reported a visit from the Kansas Fire Marshal was pushed back about two weeks to July 26, because the sprinkler system still needs a final test.
That visit is vital to the school’s opening.
If the building passes inspection, the fire marshal will issue an occupancy permit. Crews can then begin moving in furniture and setting up classrooms.
But if it doesn’t pass, crews will need to make necessary repairs, however long that might take. The fire marshal will need to schedule another visit — and that may not happen in time.
Willis is optimistic the permit will be issued after the visit on the 26th.
Most of the construction has been completed, but the extra time will give crews a chance to finish many of the details.
Crews are mostly working on flooring and painting. A walking trail and fire lane are being constructed to the north; it runs from Kentucky to Kansas Drive.
All of the materials needed to finish the school are on site, Willis said.
Furniture is expected to begin arriving July 25.
Once the furniture is installed, teachers can begin moving their items and setting up their classrooms.
Laura Caillouet-Weiner, the representative for the teachers’ union, said some teachers are concerned about the tighter timeline. Moving into the new school will be a big adjustment, with new policies and procedures, as well as the general stress that comes from the start of a new school year.
Plus, they have to attend in-service training on Aug. 11 and 12. New teachers start on Aug. 10.
