Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) renovations at Eureka Elementary School are still in progress and are estimated to be completed by summer 2018.

According to Skanska USA Building, Inc. Representative Curtis Elswick, “Eureka is on schedule.”

He said mechanical work has been completed in the first phase, which included the cafeteria, gym and music room at the school.

Elswick said there are two different mechanical systems in the building now, and the other phase is set to be completed by this summer.

“That project is still on budget at $3 million,” said Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Walker.

Elswick previously said an estimated $2.1 million would be spent on HVAC and electrical work for the school, and $400,000 was slated for the roofing.

He said various other components of the renovation would push the project cost to $3 million.

He said the division was fortunate, with the school board’s expertise to bring the projects in under the budgeted amount.

In May 2017, Red House/Cullen Supervisor Dr. Nancy Carwile said the request came from the school board regarding the repairs.

At that time, Division Superintendent Dr. Nancy Leonard said, “While completing repairs on a pipe leak in December (2016), it was discovered that the pipes in the ceiling of the classrooms at Eureka have significantly corroded. The corrosion occurred over many years and to the degree that there was urgent concern that the heating and cooling system could fail at any time, leaving 500 students displaced. The extent of the corrosion was such that a repair would be an extensive HVAC replacement project to heat or cool the school.”