West Salem construction update: elementary slated for August opening; high-school work on track

District staff presented an interior construction update for both the elementary and high-school projects, showing photos and describing progress on steel, ventilation and interior demolition.

Staff said interior deconstruction began roughly two to three weeks earlier and that steel beams, primer and some mechanical work are in place in the new elementary gym. At the high school, Area H — the first construction zone that will house new business classrooms — is taking shape with steel beams and a new corridor under construction to link business classrooms with future trades and fitness spaces.

"The goal is to have this all hooked up and ready to go for graduation on May 22," staff said about reconnecting the high-school chiller and air-conditioning systems. The presentation noted a temporary disconnect of the high-school chiller and said teams are working to provide a permanent location and hookup.

The board was told the elementary addition is scheduled to be ready by the start of school in late August and that the high-school areas under renovation are expected to be ready around the start of the second semester. Work described in the update includes ventilation, welding on steel, mezzanine construction, and removal of an internal wall to expand PE and wrestling spaces.

Next steps: staff will continue progress reporting and return with schedule confirmations; no contract approvals or budget changes were proposed that evening.