Bond and construction update: Early learning academy on schedule, band room and auditorium renovations underway

District construction staff provided the board an update on bond and capital projects during the Feb. 3 meeting, reporting that the Hedgesville Early Learning Academy, Martinsburg band-room addition and other projects are progressing.

Ken Tyson, the district's bond and construction presenter, said most footers at the Hedgesville Early Learning Academy have been poured, block foundations are being installed, sewer tie-in is complete, and the sediment pond is nearly finished. "It's still on target to be completed in December," he told the board.

At Martinsburg High School, the band-room addition has begun framing and roof work; the auditorium stage is being extended and light/sound booths removed to enlarge the space. Spring Mills High School's press box exterior work is complete and interior work (wiring, drywall, acoustical panels and flooring) is under way; the project is expected to finish by February with some exterior steps to follow in March.

Tomahawk move-in day for students is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11; district staff said teachers will use Monday to settle classrooms and that the district plans an informal morning event for board members at 7:30 a.m. The district also noted that Ridge Primary plans are under review by the SBA and the fire marshal with construction expected to start later this spring and move-in targeted for August 2026.

There were no formal actions tied to the report; trustees asked clarifying questions about timelines and inspection steps and thanked maintenance and construction staff for weekend work to prepare spaces.