Published: June 14, 2009 08:56 pm      

Tazewell school renovations near completion

TAZEWELL, Va. — Several Tazewell County elementary schools could be air-conditioned as early as next month.

Work on the $8.7 million school renovation project is nearing completion, and the construction could be completed at several of the schools as early as next month with an anticipated August completion date for the remaining facilities, School Superintendent Dr. Brenda Lawson said.

The work is currently continuing at Richlands Elementary, Cedar Bluff Elementary, Tazewell Elementary, North Tazewell Elementary and Springville Elementary.

Lawson said school officials are hoping to have improved air quality, including new heating and cooling systems, at all five schools for returning youngsters in the fall.

The renovation project includes new heating and air-conditioning systems, electrical upgrades, renovated restroom facilities and new windows in four of the five schools. Many parents have long asked the Tazewell County School Board for air-conditioned classrooms.

New windows also are being installed at all five schools with the exception of North Tazewell Elementary. New windows were already installed at North Tazewell Elementary several years ago.

The school renovations are being financed through literary loan funds authorized by the Tazewell County School Board and the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com