Aronamiq ribbon cut; principal says construction finished though contractors remain on site

Aronamiq Elementary School Principal Josh Rehak told the Upper Darby School District board on Nov. 12 that the school’s renovation and expansion project has reached the ribbon-cut stage, though contractors remain on site completing punch-list items.

"The ribbon has been cut, but although, you know, as I speak, contractors are at the school right now putting on our exterior doors," Rehak said during his update to the board.

Why it matters: The renovation consolidated students and staff from other buildings into an expanded Aronamiq campus, creating new classrooms, a larger library and gym, a relocated front entrance and bus loop, and what Rehak called about "20 first century learning spaces." The project involved prolonged planning, construction delays caused by COVID-era material shortages and an extended public process that included at least 28 public meetings and several days of court testimony by district staff.

What was described: Rehak told the board the school community welcomed "600 plus students and 50 plus staff members" into the expanded building and that administrators and teachers worked through noise, dust and changing circulation patterns during construction. He credited central-office staff and community partners, saying, "We had to testify. Frank and I had to testify in court to have the building built, and then the baton was passed to Greg..." He described months of delays connected to electrical switch-gear and other materials.

Community and student engagement: Rehak described student involvement in design choices, signing a beam in the new gym as part of a commemorative activity, and new traditions to unify students from merged schools. He said the expanded gym allows students to play without hitting the ceiling and praised the new library and increased natural light.

Next steps and remaining work: Rehak said the district is addressing punch-list items and thanked staff who supported students through the transition. The board and superintendent recognized the effort required to complete a large construction project during and after the pandemic.