Mason school renovations underway

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Jessie Cohen

It is no secret that Mason residents take education seriously. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that, in 2017, they passed a $69.7 million bond to renovate and improve their schools. The school improvement project is comprised of three phases, and construction began in the spring of 2018. 

Stephanie Gonzalez, PTO president at North Aurelius elementary, said she is very excited about the renovations.

“This is going to be a huge improvement for my son as well as all the other students in the district,” said Gonzalez. 

The first phase is the most expensive and includes remodeling two elementary schools and the James C. Harvey Education Center. The second phase includes renovations at a third elementary school, and the third and final phase involves upgrades to the middle and high schools.

As stated on the bond microsite, “From Mason’s youngest students to our high school seniors, everyone who passes through [the schools] will benefit from the community’s support for these capital improvement projects.” The construction will be fully completed in 2026. For more information on the projects, visit http://bondprojects.masonk12.net/.

Phase one began in August 2018 with the major renovation of James C. Harvey Education Center. That project wrapped up and the building was reopened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Sept. 9, just in time for the new school year. 

“The new Harvey Center houses all of our early learning and kindergarten classes,” said Ronald Drzewicki, Mason school district’s superintendent. “The new facility is really tailored to their needs and provides a great space for our youngest learners.”

The next step in the plan is to take on renovations at North Aurelius and Alaiedon elementary schools. Ground was broken on these projects in April and will wrap up in August 2020. 

“My son is very excited, he keeps talking about the new gym,” said Gonzalez. “I’m excited for the new dropoff area because the school is located on a busy road and improving the parking and dropoff will make it much safer.”

Both schools are operating as normal through the construction with the exception of some areas blocked off to students.

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