Salem (WSLS) - Students at East Salem Elementary will return to a newly renovated building on September 2nd.
Crews have worked hard over the summer to complete the $1.1 million dollar project. Administrators say everything will be ready for the start of school.
The focus of construction was on the wing that houses the school's younger students.
Improvements include two new classrooms, five renovated classrooms, a new computer lab, added safety measures, and a new hallway.
The new hallway is one of the features that Assistant Superintendent, Mike Bryant, is most excited about.
Previously the hallway in the primary wing was only about 36 inches wide. He says the space was difficult for students with disabilities to navigate through.
Now, classrooms in the primary wing are connected by an 8 foot wide hallway which will make it easier for all students to get to and from class.
The two new classrooms are also an important feature.
Both are large and meet state recommended sizes.
Administrators say the extra space was need. Bryant says, "First graders have a lot of energy and they need a lot of space to move in. Also, with the addition of computers and smart boards which all take up space, you need the additional space."
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Finishing touches will be put on the school over the next week to prepare for the first day of school.