Hays USD 489 board hears updates on O'Loughlin, Felten bond projects

A new metal ceiling being installed in the new south addition at O'Loughlin Elementary School. The south addition will house a new cafeteria and art room. Courtesy photo

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

On Monday night, the Hays USD 489 school board received another update on bond-funded projects that are ongoing at O'Loughlin Elementary School and Felten Elementary (former Hays Middle School).

Superintendent Ron Wilson said on the KAYS Morning Show on Tuesday both projects are on budget and on schedule.

Both projects are scheduled to be completed by the start of school in August.

The finishing touches are being added to the two new additions at O'Loughlin, including newly installed metal ceiling panels in the south wing.

Sanitary sewer pipes are being replaced throughout the O'Loughlin building. Courtesy photo — Sanitary sewer pipes are being replaced throughout the O'Loughlin building. Courtesy photo

Classrooms at O'Loughlin are being prepped for new flooring. Courtesy photo — Classrooms at O'Loughlin are being prepped for new flooring. Courtesy photo

A photo shot from a drone showing the exterior of the north O'Loughlin addition. The addition will house classrooms that will also double as a storm shelter. Courtesy photo — A photo shot from a drone showing the exterior of the north O'Loughlin addition. The addition will house classrooms that will also double as a storm shelter. Courtesy photo

Work on a new bus loop on the south side of O'Loughlin. Courtesy photo — Work on a new bus loop on the south side of O'Loughlin. Courtesy photo

Work began in earnest in May on a major overhaul of the school's sanitary sewer system. Large sections of flooring and concrete had to be removed to access the sewer lines.

Existing classrooms are also being prepped for new flooring.

Work is also moivng forward on a new drive and bus loop to the southwest of the school. The goal of the new drive is to allow for more vehicle stacking and reduce congestion on Hall Street during pick up and drop off at the school.

Felten

Dry wall is being hung in the new restroooms. Restrooms were added for the lower grades at the school. Courtesy photo — Dry wall is being hung in the new restroooms. Restrooms were added for the lower grades at the school. Courtesy photo

A corridor at Felten gets a new coat of paint. Courtesy photo — A corridor at Felten gets a new coat of paint. Courtesy photo

Some of the work at Felten completed last week included drywall and new ceiling installation, painting walls and lockers, and pouring curb and gutter for a new drive for the school.

This week's work will include the installation of new carpet, painting, drywall and ceiling installation, and more concrete work.

Work also will continue on installation of utilities.