JEFFERSON TWP — After parked vehicles at Knoch High School were dusted with lime powder amid construction last week, John Pappas of Eckles Construction told the school board Wednesday, Feb. 7, that contractors have finished applying dry limestone to the soil.
The limestone was applied with success, addressing previous complications due to excessive moisture. No more of the material is on site, he said in his presentation to board directors.
Following the incident that led to a rush of appointments made at local auto shops, Pappas said contractors made adjustments to their schedules and worked night shifts into the early morning to place the rest of the lime.
“If there were any other issues, (contractors) would make adjustments to their schedule,” superintendent David Foley said after the meeting.
Foley said he has held discussions with members of the Knoch Education Association regarding the incident.
After being asked about reimbursement of expenses for the vehicles affected by the lime dust, Foley said the construction company has not yet sent an insurance adjuster.
Pappas also discussed internal demolition that is underway within the high school’s office and provided construction updates as HVAC, plumbing and electrical firms continue prep work for construction.
On Jan. 29, Mark Hudson Construction began digging storm shelter footings, and on Feb. 1, the contractor poured the first footer.
As part of the expansion project, Pappas said two light poles along Dinnerbell Road at the entrance of the high school will need to be removed.
The board approved right of way agreements for removal of the light poles pending solicitor review. The cost and timeline of the project is not yet known, Foley said.
“The roadway coming into the school, it’s going to be a different configuration,” Foley said after the meeting. “It’s a U-shaped loop that’s going to go in front of the high school. Where that loop is going to go, there’s currently a pole there. They’ve got to move that to build a ramp.”
The board also discussed the possibility of installing a partition wall in the auditorium before May, when the bulk of spring concerts tend to take place.
The partition would allow access into and out of the auditorium while separating the area where construction would take place, Foley said.
