Now that asbestos has been removed from Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School, the next leg of improvements is poised to begin there and elsewhere in the school district.

"We're on target to start demolition (of the junior high's gymnasium) in late winter and start the remodeling projects the first of the summer," said Neil Glass, assistant superintendent for administrative services of Cape Girardeau Schools.

The projects are part of a $20 million bond issue approved by voters in April. The asbestos was removed from floor tile, mastic and coverings during winter break.

In addition to tearing down the old gym about March 1 and replacing it with administrative offices, classrooms are set to be remodeled during a 10-week time frame over the summer so they're ready for students in the fall.

Also on the list for the junior high are a new practice gym and a $9.8 million storm shelter/science lab area in the basement.

Another big project slated to begin soon is construction of a 25,000-square-foot space at Cape Girardeau's Career and Technology Center off Silver Springs Road that will be used for instruction and medical care. The estimated price of that is $5.9 million.

Bids still are out on both major projects.

"Right now, the big-ticket items are yet to come in, and that's the junior high and CTC," glass said.

The goal is to accomplish them all at or under budget.

"We had a fairly large turnout for our pre-bid, so we're expecting some good bids coming in," Glass said.

Also under construction is a new roof for Cape Girardeau Central Middle School, with a price tag of about $500,000. The pace of that project depends on weather conditions, he said.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

Pertinent address:

205 Caruthers Ave., Cape Girardeau

1080 Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau