Schools
Meadowbrook To Open On Schedule
Crews will work feverishly the next few days, but teachers will be back in their classrooms on Monday.
will open on time, with teachers arriving next Monday and students on Wednesday.
Crews have work to complete before the doors open to the public, but things look to be on schedule, according to Sean Sullivan of the construction management firm Strategic Building Systems.
The school construction started right after students were released for summer break. Crews have been working after hours and on weekends to get where they are now. "We are even further than expected," said School Committeeman David Green, who has been making weekly visits to the site to view progress.
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This summer, workers removed old floors and replaced them with new multi-colored tile as part of the abatement process. "The school has a new look to it," said Green. The multi-colored tile floors run throughout the hallways, in the multi-purpose room (gym/cafeteria), and in some classrooms. All classrooms have new tile. The library area will be completed next summer.
As for worries with asbestos levels in the air, Sullivan said, "Asbestos levels have been tested numerous times and are at acceptable levels. They get tested by the construction company, the industrial hygienist and an independent group through the town."
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When asked if there are concerns about sending kids to Meadowbrook on the first day of school next Wednesday, Green answered, "Not a one!" The actual abatement process was concluded weeks ago, testing has been done, and floors are now being finished and waxed for the start of school.
Sullivan said there have been no complications throughout the construction process. The roof will be completed soon, the floors are about done, and the next step will be installing cabinetry and doors, and getting the air system up and running. Many units were replaced. Others were rewired and will be connected digitally to a main controller in one location, or they can be accessed remotely.
"This is for heat and fresh air," said Sullivan. "We are aiming to have the millwork and heating units done by the start of school."
As for the Kindergarten meet-and-greet being moved to on Thursday morning, newly appointed Meadowbrook principal Neil Marcaccio said, "It’s a safer environment at Hanaford. Since it’s being held outdoors and we have a lot of heavy equipment on site here. It’s just better for the kids."
To view detailed information about the construction process and to see what has been completed so far, please check the EGSD site under "Meadowbrook Farms Renovation Information."