Progress on construction projects for the North Pike School District is still slow.
The companies involved, Casanova Construction on high school projects and Mac’s Construction on a new upper elementary school, “have been substantially hindered by weather,” Superintendent Dennis Penton told school board members Thursday.
“Both companies have assured us that they will get caught up and complete these projects on time.”
Board member Kevin Matthew said the district has had problems with construction before.
“When we were building the (career and technical center), we had the same issues,” Matthew said. “But we had some beautiful weekends, and no one would be here working.”
The upper elementary school and high projects to add four classrooms and expand the band hall are part of a package of proposed improvements funded by an $11.25 million bond issue passed by voters in March last year.
In a related action, Penton said the road that goes around the campus from Jaguar Trail south and west to Horace Holmes Drive will be closed for several days soon to facilitate the clearing of trees to create a clear path for power lines that will supply the upper elementary school.
The superintendent also announced a new partnership that could aid the district in future capital projects.
Penton said Tom Nathanson, owner of Summit Plastics, had offered “to become a significant partner of the district.”
As part of that partnership, the company would contribute a significant sum for projects such as a playground for the new upper elementary school, as well as support to assist “less fortunate” students.
The company may also donate money for a small number of scholarships for community college or university studies.
Penton said Nathanson will be touring the district soon to “see what they can offer.”
