Tremendously busy and productive.
That is how South Putnam Community Schools Corporation superintendent Dr. Corey Smith describes the months leading up to the start of school this week.
The reason?
His district was in the midst of several small projects and the finalization aspects of its renovation project.
"As part of the renovation project, we finalized the following: high school restrooms; locker rooms; coaching offices; athletic laundry facilities; athletics storage; high school science labs and preparation areas; extensive carpeting throughout the high school hallways, offices and some classrooms; significant upgrades in HVAC with five new AHUs, ductwork and all associated plumbing/piping which serve the newly updated areas; teachers' lounge and workroom upgrades; along with other significant aesthetic upgrades," Smith told The Putnam County Post.
In addition, two major roof sections were replaced and upgraded, new bleachers in the upper deck of the high school and Central Elementary were finalized, sound system upgrades were finished in the high school/middle school gym, the parking lot and driveway at the middle school/high school was upgraded, several trees were removed or trimmed, painting was done and some cement repair work was completed at Fillmore Elementary.
Smith said the district currently finds itself in the midst of a "significant safety/security project."
"We are updating our door access control and alarm systems, along with significant security surveillance upgrades throughout the district. Some buildings have a majority of the work completed, but we still have some work to do to complete this project," Smith acknowledged.
And, while there is still some work left to do with the HVAC control system, basketball controls in the main gym and parking lot upgrades at Central Elementary have been delayed to next summer, Smith admits it is an exciting time for South Putnam.
"We are very excited to start the school year with the majority of the projects at or near completion. The last two years were impacted, especially last year, with displaced teachers and staff in temporary rooms and spaces, but it is great to have everyone back in their rooms and offices. There is great excitement throughout South Putnam seeing our vision and goals coming to fruition," Smith said.
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