The construction of Olson Elementary is on schedule to be ready for the start of school on September 2, 2008. The construction is currently 75% complete.

There is still extensive site work to be done, but interior work is progressing as expected. The second floor A-wing will be completed in mid-June. As areas are completed, they will be locked off and final inspections completed.

One item that has been delayed is the operable windows. All of these should be installed by mid-June, replacing the temporary white, opaque panels.

The geothermal heating and cooling system is almost complete. The final tie-in to the underground water lines will be done in early June. This system is a major component of the green building design, and will help obtain the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. Olson School will be one of the first LEED Certified k-12 schools in Wisconsin.

Passers-by will soon see the 25 kilowatt solar photovoltaic panels going on the roof of the B-wing. The energy generated by these solar panels is being sold to Alliant Energy at a rate much greater than the rate we pay for electricity.

Construction will continue through July. The Chavez Elementary School gym will be used to stage school supplies, furniture, etc. The items will be sorted, assembled, and brought over room by room.

See live video of ongoing construction by clicking here then "Click here for real-time video".

On May 20, what will be the Olson School library (above) looked like this - far from completion. Some of the rooms — like this Art room — are having cabinets installed. Interior work is progressing as expected and construction is on schedule.