Osseo Area Schools Renovates Buildings

Replace, repair and restore.  Osseo Area Schools is making headway when it comes to its long-term facility maintenance plan.

On Monday, the sound of hammers and electric drills echoed in the hallways of North View Middle School.  It’s one of four schools getting a makeover this summer.  The 1970s-era school building needs more than a few upgrades. Officials at the school say in the past, they spent a lot of money trying to keep things in working order. But now the school is getting a makeover from top to bottom.

Literally.

Construction crews are tearing out the ceiling and replacing the floors.

Many Items on To-Do List

This is the second phase of a three-part project. Many items are on the to-do list, including the school’s heating and ventilation systems.

“This is a 1970s version of a steam boiler,” said director of facilities and transportation Dale Carlstrom. He also said the old system will run tandem with the new HVAC system until next year, when crews will be able to remove the old heating system.

The hallways and classrooms are also getting a new look complete with new tile.

“Lighting and finishes along the way in the classrooms, floors, and ceilings,” explained Carlstrom.

Some of the bathrooms also are brighter and more appealing with updated looks. Officials say the hope is to make the school a more comfortable place to learn.

Renovation Timeline

Principal Diana Bledsoe beamed as she checked out some of the finished work.

“We’ll have different learning spaces for them and different seating arrangements for them. It’s just going to be a place of empowerment. I think it’s going to be amazing when it’s all done,” said Bledsoe.

Osseo Middle School, Park Center and Oak View elementary are also getting makeovers this summer. The total cost for this year’s work is $32 million. The projects are supposed to be completed by this school year.