Work to begin on Bordewich-Bray Elementary School next week

Before it was Bordewich-Bray Elementary School, it was Carson High. In 1962, it became the junior high school, and in the early '70s, it became solely an elementary school.

Next week, work will begin on an addition to the original building.

"It's significant," said vice principal Patrick Beckwith. "This school has been such an integral part of this community for 70 years. This addition will bring it into another 50."

A ceremony will be at noon on Aug. 14 to celebrate the groundbreaking. All school employees, students, parents and members of the community are invited.

"We want the voters to be active participants," Beckwith said. "And they have been. They voted for it and have served on the committee to oversee it. This is their school."

The idea of building an addition began forming when toxic mold was discovered within the walls of the school's modular buildings in October 2001.

Voters approved the $3.75 million bond issue in November.

Not only will the addition replace lost space, it will also consolidate the five-building campus into one school.

"We're totally excited about it," Beckwith said. "Anybody who's been on our campus knows what a huge difference this is going to make. We're going to get so much more interaction with our students."

Construction was supposed to begin when school was dismissed in June and be complete in time for students to return in the fall.

However, a change in the building's design delayed plans, and construction will begin little more than a week before school resumes Aug. 26, leaving students to navigate the construction zone.

"Certainly the logistics will be less-than-desirable at times, but once they put the fencing up, we'll see the best way to maneuver," Beckwith said. "By the time the first day of school rolls around, we'll be ready.

"The kids' safety is the No. 1 priority for everyone involved in the project."

Construction should be complete by spring break in April.

If You Go:

What: Bordewich-Bray Elementary School groundbreaking

When: Noon, Aug. 14

Where: School multipurpose room, 110 Thompson St.