Dean Youngers, construction manager for USD 497, passes under a verse from the Langston Hughes poem, Youth, above some double doors as he leads a tour of the current construction and improvements at the school.

Among some of the safety improvements to some district classrooms will be windows added to classrooms for increased visibility.

Dale Wolford of Oliver Electric climbs a ladder as he works within a two-classroom addition to Langston Hughes School.

A worker passes through a two-classroom space at Langston Hughes Elementary, June 26, 2014. The space was reinforced to serve as a storm shelter in the event of severe weather.

Some of the 10 Lawrence public school buildings at which bond issue construction projects are underway this summer look like full-fledged work zones. Other projects are more subtle.

Each represents the start of a $92.5 million bond issue voters approved in 2013 that will touch every school while adding a new $5.7 million college and career center.

East and central Lawrence schools are seeing the most drastic changes. Like Cordley Elementary, built in 1915 and the oldest continuously operated elementary school in the district. At the end of the school year, Cordley was emptied for major construction and students and staff will use the former East Heights Elementary School this year.

Meanwhile, all buildings will share new security entrances as well as energy-efficiency upgrades expected to save the district about $280,000 annually, according to district spokeswoman Julie Boyle.

Most of the summer’s 10 projects have had bids approved at recent school board meetings. Superintendent Rick Doll said bids have so far come in close to expectations despite the bidding environment being difficult because contractors are busier this summer.

The 10 projects underway, and two more on deck for the fall, are as follows.

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Hillcrest Elementary

Improvements: One of five schools whose combined gymnasium and cafeteria space will be separated. Boyle said this will also allow for two multipurpose rooms when meals or physical education classes are not underway. Hillcrest’s security entrance will be moved and classrooms and an office suite will be added.

Initial cost estimate: $8.4 million (This figure encompasses both construction costs and other costs like fees associated with architecture, engineering and planning).

Guaranteed maximum price: $7.2 million (This figure, approved by the school board, only reflects construction costs).

Where we are in construction phase: Early phase. Electrical work is complete.

Estimated time of completion: Late summer 2015

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Langston Hughes Elementary

Improvements: The office is being moved and small additions will be made to the office suite. Four new classrooms are being added, two of which are tornado safe. The new classrooms can accommodate an additional 100 students, Assistant Superintendent Kyle Hayden said.

Initial cost estimate: $2.4 million

Guaranteed maximum price: $2.9 million. Doll said the Langston Hughes bid came in lower than expected, so the district decided to take on additional projects and pull from its capital outlay fund.

Where we are in construction phase: About 50 percent complete.

Estimated time of completion: Interior remodel by August. New classrooms by fall.

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Cordley Elementary

Improvements: An overhaul that will create more classroom space, expand and separate the cafeteria and gymnasium. The library will also undergo an expansion that will make it more of a learning center, Hayden said. “It’s not so much about rows of books as it is a collaborative space to work together,” Hayden said. The security entrance will also be moved.

Initial cost estimate: $8.9 million

Guaranteed maximum price: $7.5 million (subject to board approval Monday)

Where we are in construction phase: Asbestos work is near complete. The demolition and remodeling phase is starting.

Estimated time of completion: August 2015.

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Free State High

Improvements: New office area to north of the school. Former office suite will become classrooms. The security entrance will be made more identifiable.

Initial cost estimate: $4.2 million.

Guaranteed maximum price: $3.6 million.

Where we are in construction phase: Dean Youngers, construction manager, said activity is expected within a couple weeks.

Estimated time of completion: New office area complete by January. All renovations will be staggered through next summer.

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New York Elementary School

Improvements: New cafeteria area and gymnasium space separated. Additional classrooms, expanded library.

Initial cost estimate: $5.7 million.

Guaranteed maximum price: $4.8 million.

Where we are in construction phase: Interior demolition near complete.

Estimated time of completion: New additions by December. Interior remodel complete by summer 2015.

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Middle Schools: Liberty Memorial Central, South, Southwest, West

Improvements: General infrastructure upgrades, primarily including electrical and plumbing upgrades and light HVAC work. Slight remodel of West’s office suite.

Initial cost estimate: About $3 million total.

Guaranteed maximum price: $2.7 million total.

Where we are in construction phase: Just getting started.

Estimated time of completion: August 2015.

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College and Career Center

Improvements: The only new construction project. To be built near the Hiper Technology plant at 31st and Haskell, the center will offer career and technical education programs for high school students and partnerships with regional community colleges and technical schools.

Initial cost estimate: $5.7 million

Guaranteed Maximum Price: To be determined.

Where we are in construction phase: If bid favorable, Associate Superintendent said he expects construction to start in July.

Estimated time of completion: August 2015.

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Work is also slated to begin this fall at Sunset Hill and Kennedy Elementary schools. Kennedy will feature interior renovations and the addition of six classrooms on its west side. Hayden said Sunset Hill will undergo what may be the most radical exterior change of the project, its entrance shifting 180 degrees. Sunset Hill was originally scheduled to begin this summer, but officials had to order a traffic study to determine how to manage the flow of traffic considering the school’s proximity to West Middle School. Doll said the study has not yet been completed.