Scranton school projects moving ahead
Published: July 5, 2009
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share thisWithin two weeks, construction crews are expected to complete the addition and renovation to Scranton's Kennedy Elementary School.
Soon after they finish, the demolition of Whittier Elementary will begin.
As students enjoy summer vacation, school officials are working to make sure Kennedy students will be able to return to their school in September, and the transition out of Whittier Elementary to the former St. Mary's School on River Street runs smoothly.
The district's construction plan also includes a $29 million school for the Tripp Park section. The revamp of Kennedy, located on Prospect Avenue, is the first of three building projects for the district, which total $60 million.
Crews are now clearing out Whittier, located on Orchard Street, and demolition will begin later this month. Once construction starts, it will take about 18 months to complete. All Whittier students will attend class at the former St. Mary's School, about four blocks away, while Whittier is being rebuilt.
For the Tripp Park school, to be built at North Everett Avenue and Dorothy Street, school directors approved paying $829,020 for the land through eminent domain in April. After the school for up to 850 students opens, John Marshall and Lincoln-Jackson elementary schools will close.
Officials are hoping to break ground this fall, Superintendant William King said.
Board President Tom Gilbride said he is pleased Kennedy students will be back in their school this fall and that the other projects are on track.
Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com
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