WELLS — The Wells High School campus may look very different to students heading back to school next week. After two and a half years of planning, construction of a $26.85 million renovation project to the high school is about to begin.

Earlier this month, the Wells-Ogunquit School Committee awarded a Standish-based contractor with a notice to proceed. According to WOCSD Superintendent Ellen Schneider, the committee is finalizing a contract with Arthur C. Dudley Contractor-Builder, Inc., a general contractor who was the lowest bidder in a series of contract proposals reviewed by a selection committee. The next step, said Schneider, is to negotiate the final contract, scope of work, and costs.

“The notice to proceed allows the contractor to secure the site for safety before the students arrive, put up fencing, block off areas and move in equipment,” said Schneider explaining how she has been preparing the community, parents and staff for the inconveniences and noise that may add to the general excitement at the start of the school year.

The most immediate impact on staff and students is access to the building.

“We’re just in the beginning phases of prepping for construction and want people to know that parking will be limited. We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding, and I want to stress that people should feel free to reach out to me if they have any questions or concerns,” said Jim Daly, Wells High School principal.

This week, Daly sent letters home to parents explaining the new traffic pattern impacted by the closing of the regular bus circle in front of the high school. The letter included a diagram outlining where and how students will disembark and enter the building.

“The bus circle for student drop-off and pick-up will be located at the access road to Wells Elementary School. Students will access the new bus circle through a protected pedestrian walkway. Signs explaining how to enter and exit the building will be clearly posted,” Daly said.

The high school principal doesn’t anticipate additional traffic congestion in the morning, but the afternoon pick-up will likely be a bit busier.

“Bus dismissal is at 1:48 p.m.,” he said. “Those picking up students should arrive closer to 2 p.m. That will allow buses enough time to get students picked up and out of the way.”

Renovation plans for the circa 1970 building outline two phases of construction: The first phase is the construction of a new academic wing built in front of the existing building. Schneider said Phase 1 should be completed by December 2015. If all goes according to plan, Schneider explained the old wing will be demolished and the remaining elements of the construction will comprise Phase 2, to be completed by September 2016.

“There are a lot of deadlines and milestones that are out of my control, but as we pass every milestone, I’m looking forward to watching what we’ve seen on paper come to life for all of us,” said Schneider.

Earlier this summer, the district also hired Brad Goodale as clerk of the works to oversee the construction project for the district. Goodale is a resident of Cape Neddick with more than 20 years of experience managing large-scale construction projects for York Hospital and other school districts.

“The job of a clerk of the works is to ensure that the project runs as efficiently as possible. He literally memorizes the plans, keeps apprised of where everything is to date and essentially makes sure the district is getting what we asked for,” said Schneider.

School officials planning a ground-breaking celebration in late September or early October as the final costs and contracts are completed.

“This has been over two and a half years in the planning and we’ve reached an exciting time in Wells history. I hope the community and our students will be patient with this next phase. The end product will be a state of the art facility for academics, arts and athletics with a new technology infrastructure that will allow us to deliver a 21st Century education,” said Daly.

— Tracey Collins can be contacted via the Journal Tribune at [email protected].