School Upgrades, Renovations Continue for New Year

Students are still enjoying summer break, but the school buildings and other facilities are abuzz.  Around the South Orange - Maplewood district (SOMSD), work continues to repair and upgrade facilities in time for September.

Summer work includes the ongoing restoration of Columbia High School's historic auditorium. Earlier this summer, the seats were removed and new, improved seating will be installed, thanks to Achieve funding.

SOMSD Business Administrator Cheryl Schneider further noted that residents will see other improvements in September. Staff is working on general maintenance and cleaning projects.  General projects include  painting projects, carpet removal/replacement, lighting replacements, security system upgrades, tree trimming, general sitework, fencing repairs and gym floor refinishing.

Larger projects include the continued work on the Maplewood Middle School addition, repair work to auditorium ventilation systems at Maplewood Middle, Jefferson School, and Tuscan School.  Bathroom renovations are also taking place at Maplewood Middle School as well as the conversion of the home economics room to a new technology classroom.  Lighting is being added at Underhill Field, annual repairs and painting to the bleachers was done, and the press box is being rebuilt as a result of storm-related damage earlier in the year.