Central Schools gym remodel faces delay after architect oversight

Ongoing renovations to the Central High School Gym have hit another unexpected delay, according to Central Public Schools Superintendent David Eads, who announced the delay in a district-wide newsletter.

Eads said the project — already moving through a tight, multi-contractor schedule — was slowed after crews discovered that fire alarms must be installed in both the gymnasium and the high school, a requirement that had been omitted by the project’s architect.

“At this point in the project, any delay with any contractor creates a delay with the other contractors,” Eads said, explaining that each team has been forced to wait on the one ahead of them.

Recently, drywall work ran behind schedule, which prevented painters from completing the interior. Painters then had to finish before electricians could install LED lighting.

The lighting, in turn, had to be in place before the flooring company could begin work on the gym floor.

The latest issue — the unplanned addition of new fire alarms — means that although the physical remodel of the gym is expected to be completed by Christmas break, the facility cannot legally open until the alarm systems are fully installed and operational.

Eads said he met with the fire alarm company and plans are underway to move quickly, but there still is no firm timeline on when the gym can officially reopen.

“I wish I had better news to relate to all of you,” Eads said in the newsletter. “It certainly wasn’t the news the construction manager or I wanted to receive, and I know it isn’t what you want either. Just know we are working to resolve this.”

Eads assured families, students and staff that updates will continue as the district works to expedite the final steps.