Work in progress at China school

The new additions will cost between $1.5-1.6 million and will include new locker rooms, a redone stage and music class area, and other improvements. (photo by Roland Hallee)

Construction has begun on the China Middle School addition. The work is being performed by Blane Casey, of Augusta, and although they have come across some structural issues it is expected the work will still come in within the budget that was planned, according to Carl Gartley, Superintendent of Schools for RSU #18. A few changes have been added to enhance the project that has increased some of the cost, but still within budget. The total cost of the expansion and renovations will be between $1.5 and $1.6 million. The project will include adding locker rooms, redoing the stage and music class area, adding practice rooms for music classes, adding storage for cafeteria tables, redoing the gym floor, redoing the HVAC system, repairing the roof and other fire code improvements to meet compliance of new laws.