Building being revamped, getting greener

Lake School is getting a facelift.

New doors and windows are going in at the rural school south of Orland. The parking lot, playground and a new fire lane also are under construction.

The windows and doors are being modernized for energy efficiency, according to Tim Ryan, Lake Elementary School District superintendent. The composite panels replace decades-old frames containing asbestos, he said.

The main building was constructed in 1975.

The construction, done by Efficient Energy Concepts Inc. of Chico, is part of Phase I of upgrades to the school facilities. It began in October when the roof was replaced and new air conditioners were installed.

Money for this phase comes from a critical hardship grant from the state, Ryan said.

Because the money is paid over five years, he said the district has used capital outlay funds to get the work done more quickly.

Grant applications are in the process of being reviewed for the next phases, Ryan said.

Parking lot repairs are fairly extensive. The spot labeled "Disabled" will move next to the walkway in front of the main building, be raised and sloped to meet Cal Trans standards, he said.

The rest of the lot will be stripped and leveled, removing several sunken areas that accumulate water when it rains.

Also helping eliminate puddles around campus, a new drainage system will be installed. Ryan said the pipes will run north-south, resulting in faster drying time.

It is particularly important around the new playground, what Ryan referred to as "the most important part of an elementary school" — besides instruction, he added.

The grounds already have been excavated, preparing the way to shift the play area 20 feet north of its current location. A new fire lane will be built at the south end of the area.

Students will return in August to new swings, slides and climbing bars and a playground floor made of materials designed not to dry quickly, according to Ryan.

In the next phases, which are being discussed by the school board, Ryan expects to replace aging, sometimes moldy, portable units with new modulars. Other changes include upgrading classrooms and offices and, ultimately, building a multipurpose room.

Now, the crowded library serves that purpose.

Ryan said forging ahead with the construction is important because of safety issues for the children and staff.

He did not predict a completion date for the entire upgrade; but, he said "we're on our way. It's exciting."