Construction at Lincoln Elementary ahead of schedule

By Ryne Turke on July 27, 2016 at 6:14am

WLDS-WEAI toured the building on Tuesday with Superintendent Steve Ptacek, secretary Debbie McKean and board members Cheryl Ballard and Cori Wagner.

The $6.4-million project, which stayed on budget, has been ongoing since classes concluded at the end of May. Ptacek says CTS Construction has gone above and beyond to make sure the building is operational before the 2016-2017 school year begins.

Ballard, who attended Lincoln Elementary as a student, says the improvements are unbelievable.

“Wow it is so impressive. I see a little bit of what it was when I was here. There is a whole lot of improvement. It is going to be a really cool place to go to school for the kids in Jacksonville. It will be a cool learning environment.”

Ballard was disappointed to see the auditorium taken out, but was thrilled with the new media center, which features the original exterior blocks.

Wagner feels keeping the Lincoln blocks preserves the history of the school.

“I think it looks fantastic. I don’t think any of us expected it to be as big of a change. I know the teachers are excited and the new principal is really looking forward to being here.I think the kids are going to come in and be ready to learn. They are going to appreciate the fact that it looks like people care about their success.”

Among the updated features in the building are a new HVAC system, plumbing, lockers, bleachers, doors and ceiling tiles.

For pictures of the construction inside Lincoln Elementary, go to our Facebook page.