Osakis school expansion begins

Since school let out last month, construction crews have been busy working on the Osakis Public School.

The $7.975 million voter-approved project includes work on three sides of the K-12 building.

On the south side of the school, masons are nearly finished putting up block walls for the new early childhood center. After the insulation and brick are added, the roof will be assembled.

Although this portion of the project is behind two weeks, school leaders expect the area will be completed in time for the start of school.

The well-known red roof was removed from the center of the school's entrance where crews are preparing the existing structure for a second level that will house three new science labs.

Most obvious to the public is the demolition of the staircase and northeast entrance of the high school.

Demolition paused while crews waited for asbestos removal from a pipe late last week. The demolition will make room for a new high school administration area, including a secure entrance.

In addition, pavement was removed from the parking lot to make room for the new kitchen and cafeteria.

Along with this construction, the remaining area of the north parking lot will be used for a construction staging area with limited parking until next March.