By Janice Nelson
Auburn School District Board president

On Sept. 28, I was part of a lucky group that took a guided tour of the progress of the modernization and reconstruction of Auburn High School.

Current School Board Directors Ray Vefik, Anne Baunach, Carol Seng and myself, as well as former ASD School Board Directors Craig Schumaker and Ted Leonard, participated in the tour.

Former superintendent Jim Fugate and current superintendent Kip Herren, deputy superintendent Mike Newman and executive director of capital projects, Jeff Grose also joined the tour.

From Lydig Construction, Ryan Dahle, Matt Bridgewater and Dan Jawort guided us through the progress of the new building. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm the Lydig staff has for this project.

Phase one of the project is complete and phase two is under way and on schedule. The project is making amazing progress.

Nearly all of the steel structure up to the roof of the third floor has been installed, with the fourth floor roof structure to be installed next month. Most of the concrete floors for the second floors and half of the third floor have been placed at the Main Street wing. Wall framing is under way on the first floor of that wing as well, with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work following closely behind. The commons, kitchen, and wood and metal shops areas have a weather-tight roof in place, allowing for brick veneer installation on the exterior and drywall and insulation starting on the interior.

Some stairs have been installed and concrete has been poured on the second and third floors. We were able to stand on the second floor. Some parts of the building even have brick.

As a celebration of the progress, Lydig Construction brought in all of their employees on this project and their subcontractors and served the first lunch in the commons.

Even with the recent heavy rains, Lydig continues to make great progress inside and out. Students are scheduled to attend the new school beginning in September 2014.