The unseasonable weather during the past three months has set construction crews ahead of schedule at the new STEM building in Henryetta.
School superintendent Dwayne Noble said crews have completed all of the outside work except for the landscaping. They are now moving into the building with ceiling tile, wiring and plumbing projects moving along.
Barring any unforeseen incidents, the building is scheduled to be opened following the spring break in March.
Some paint has already been added to the walls and furniture and computers will be ordered within the coming weeks.
Inside the building are four classrooms as well as a central open area that is designed for several worktables. Large windows are part of the walls that separate the classrooms. Noble said that would allow a teacher to watch two classes at one time.
The building walls are a foot thick and concrete also covers the roof. That will provide safety to all students in the event of a tornado. “Picture this filled with some 750 people,” Noble said making a sweeping gesture around the open room. The classrooms are also equipped with thick metal shutters that will be placed across the windows in the event of a storm.
The STEM building is part of the $9 million bond issue approved several years ago. That money also financed a new elementary building as well as covering costs with air-conditioning and roof repairs in the current high school.