Lawrence High School renovations ready for public

After three years of inconveniences, displacements and construction, Lawrence High School students will arrive this fall to an almost brand new school.

By: Olivia Tattory
   After three years of inconveniences, displacements and construction, Lawrence High School students will arrive this fall to an almost brand new school.
   The final phases of the $18.8 million LHS renovation project have been completed and feedback so far has been very positive, said school board President Laura Waters.
   "Everyone seems absolutely thrilled with the new classrooms, spacious surroundings and the common area," she said. "This is especially popular among the students."
   The two final phases of the project included the completion of the new main entrance to the high school and the rear addition. The addition, which holds an early childhood development classroom, a family consumer science classroom and a standard classroom also features four fully equipped food labs.
   Originally slated for completion in January, the renovations began shortly after school closed for summer vacation in May 2004. The delay was a result of a combination of things including wet weather last fall, said school district Business Administrator Thomas Eldridge.
   "The patience on the part of the staff and students has been tremendous," he said. "Throughout the entire process and each phase it’s been a combined effort."
   LHS renovations were completed as part of a nine-phase plan. This plan was part of a $37.2 million bond referendum approved in December 2002 for all seven Lawrence Township schools. The state Department of Education covered $9.6 million of the project, while the remaining $27.6 million is being footed by local taxpayers. The final cost of renovations, however, finished a quarter million dollars under budget, Mr. Eldridge noted.
   "Small equipment contained within the scope of the referendum as well as minor supply items are all that is left for purchasing," he said.
   The school, after renovations, comprises 240,000 square feet, 40 percent of that is essentially brand new. New construction and additions account for 58,400 square feet while renovated space encompassed 38,900 square feet for a total of 97,300 square feet.
   Ms. Waters attributed much of the success of the project to the cooperative effort between LHS staff and workers.
   "It’s hard having this level of construction going on and we’ve really asked people to make adjustments and put up with the disruptions," she said. "And they’ve done so without question."
   The first year of renovations included the addition of a science lab and new commons area. Second year improvements focused on the arts, vocal and instrumental music rooms and this year completed the rear addition and main entrance changes.
   The referendum came at a time when the high school was in desperate need of change. Overcrowding, safety issues and appropriate learning spaces for students were all reasons that prompted the renovations.
   This project is the largest building project the district has experienced outside of building a new school.
   "The main entrance and new Cardinal banners along Princeton Pike are definitely something people have noticed," said Ms. Waters. "It’s very welcoming and exciting to see."