December 27, 2024
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Ottawa Elementary returns to class for 2022-2023 school year, some with new air conditioning

Air conditioning installed at McKinley, Jefferson schools; some installation delayed

By Shaw Local News Network
Friends and now classmates Lyla Buckingham, Brinlee Culjan and Ariana Veldez pose for a photo Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, outside McKinley School in Ottawa as they start their first day of kindergarten.

Friends and now classmates Lyla Buckingham, Brinlee Culjan and Ariana Veldez pose for a photo Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, outside McKinley School in Ottawa as they start their first day of kindergarten. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)

Ottawa Elementary returned to classes Wednesday for the first day of the 2022-2023 school year.

The elementary school district installed air conditioning units at McKinley and Jefferson schools and the construction delayed the start of the school year. While the installation isn’t fully complete, most rooms in both schools have working air conditioning.

Superintendent Michelle Lee said Jefferson is waiting on 11 air handler units that will be delivered next week and McKinley is missing an electrical panel. Supply chain issues have caused delays but the weather was cool enough Wednesday the lack of air conditioning in a few rooms didn’t cause any issues, Lee said.

The final day of class for the 2022-2023 school year is scheduled Thursday, June 8.

The school busses empty Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, as students arrive for the first day of class at McKinley School in Ottawa.

The school busses empty Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, as students arrive for the first day of class at McKinley School in Ottawa. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)

Crossing Guard Pam Sinclair stops traffic on State Street in Ottawa as parents and students arrive for the first day of classes Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at McKinley School.

Crossing Guard Pam Sinclair stops traffic on State Street in Ottawa as parents and students arrive for the first day of classes Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at McKinley School. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)