The campus-wide renovation project for the Mancos School District Re-6 is in its final stretch, with the bulk of the work remaining at the Performance Center.
After almost two years of construction, the site has an upgraded high school, elementary school, gym, and more. They are planning to finish the renovations in time for Mancos seniors to graduate at the Performance Center in May.
The contractors have spent just under $22.2 million of the $24.7 million project.
Phase 1 of the project primarily featured a remodel of the high school and some site work, while Phase 2 included the historic gym renovations, the football field, and work at the elementary school.
Now, work is in Phase 3, which focuses on revamping the Performance Center, along with some other extras, like converting the old music room into a woodshop.
The contractor Jaynes Corp. came in under-budget, so district officials are examining other ways to use the BEST grant money, said Neil Dolder, project superintendent of Jaynes.
“We love working for Mancos schools,” Dolder said.
Holding class and conducting business while construction is ongoing is not easy feat, but the community and school staff and students have been “resilient,” said Josh Covert, the Jaynes superintendent leading the Performance Center work.
They’ve also been able to engage with students in their work. Students have been able to walk through the different parts of the renovation and see the school change through all its different phases, and a career panel was held with all the different people involved in the project, from the engineers to the subcontractors to the architects.
ealvero@the-journal.com