Star Journal report

Work has begun at Rhinelander’s Central Elementary School, part of the district’s $2.9 million construction project approved by the board of education in January. At Central this week, trees were removed from the lawn near east Harvey Street and north Pelham Street to make room for two new classrooms and a new driveway drop-off and pick-up spot. The school office will be relocated near the new driveway.

In addition to Central, two classrooms will be added to Crescent and Pelican elementary schools along with a new kitchen for Crescent. All work is expected to be completed in August; Greenfire Management Systems in Wausau is the general contractor. The funding for this project will come out of the district’s fund balance.

The new classrooms will help alleviate overcrowding at the schools, School District of Rhinelander Superintendent Kelli Jacobi said. The district is in the process of re-configuring the schools and attendance areas to make all three schools 4K through grade 5 in time for the start of the 2019-20 school year. The administration is planning official ground breaking ceremonies for April 3.