Renovations are continuing at two Bethel schools with the projects on track for completion next August or the fall of next year. The $65.8 million projects to Rockwell and Johnson is on budget.  Johnson is significantly under cost, but Rockwell has gone over.  The state is reimbursing 45-percent of eligible costs.

Rockwell second and third graders are in portable classrooms, which are climate controlled and have bathrooms.  Mid-year, second graders will move into new classrooms and first graders will move to the portables.  A substitute teacher will walk students to the main building when needed.  Asbestos abatement has also been completed at the school.

Classes got underway at Johnson School in Bethel yesterday.  The steel frame of the addition is up and the inside work will start soon.  The main staircase was replaced and the gym has been demolished.  Yoga and aerobic activities will take place in a classroom, there's a separate room with exercise equipment.  More outdoor activities like hiking and snow-shoeing will be part of the phys-ed curriculum.