Construction projects will inconvenience some schools this fall

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- Most schools in Anchorage won't be inconvenienced by construction projects when the fall semester begins, but some will, officials say.

Chugiak High School is one of several schools that will have sections of the buildings closed for ongoing projects when students crowd school corridors this fall.

Most of the nearly 90 summer construction projects at Anchorage schools are on track and won't be a problem to students or staff, said Ray Amsden, Anchorage School District facilities director.

''You cannot run construction and school concurrently without having things to resolve,'' Amsden said. ''We have such a short summer, and school's not out for really that long, so they don't have a whole lot of time to get that work done.''

Inconveniences are expected at Tudor Elementary, although it should be ready to go when classes begin. Tudor's registration will be at Northern Lights ABC School because of late asphalt pouring in its parking lot and renovations that have the walkways torn out, said Roger Fiedler, district spokesman.

Other schools will have to negotiate their upgrades.

At North Star Elementary, some bathrooms are sealed off because of remodeling. Principal Myrna Moulton said all but the hand-washing areas may be finished in time.

The $7.3 million classroom renovation project at Chugiak is behind schedule and creating a little more conflict, Amsden said.

During summer, workers had to unexpectedly replace parts of the building that weren't up to par. They still need access to two hallways in the center of the overcrowded school.

Before school starts, the Chugiak staff and district administrators will decide how to deal with the hall closures.

Other construction projects continuing throughout the year shouldn't interfere, Amsden said.

Bartlett High School's former library will remain sealed off from students during its $2.2 million conversion into classrooms.

The asphalt at Wendler Middle School should be laid this week, wrapping up the school's $3 million site renovation.

The new $45 million Dimond High School is fenced off from students, and the underground work is finished. While crews caused power outages at the current school last spring, there shouldn't be conflicts this year, Amsden said.

The district maintains a list of renovations at Anchorage schools on its Web site, www.asd.k12.ak.us/renewal/.