While students rush out the doors for summer break, several Dallas County Schools will receive repairs and renovations. The Dallas County School Board received approval from the state on a contract to replace exterior windows and doors and repair the facades at Dallas County High School, Southside High School, Keith High School and Keith Middle School. CRL Construction LLC of Selma will repair and renovate the schools for a total cost of $408,000.

“This has been something we’ve been working on for quite a while,” board president Peggy Williamson said.

Architect John Ray said the doors and windows would be energy efficient and easy on the eyes. Ray works for KHAFRA, an engineering and architectural design firm headquartered in Atlanta.

“They’ll blend in with the style of the schools,” Ray said.

Ray said his firm recommended letting one company handle all three projects in order to cut down on confusion and make sure all were finished on time. The projects should begin near the end of the spring semester, and end before students return to school in the fall.

“They’ll be ready to start,” Williamson said.

The construction company will not begin work until all new materials have been delivered to the site, Ray said.

Vice-president William Minor said he was more pleased about this than anything else. Often, buildings are left open and exposed to vandalism during repairs and renovations, Minor said.

“That way, the building won’t be open overnight,” he said.

Sometimes when construction workers begin repairs and renovations, change orders are required due to the discovery of more problems with the structure. In this case, Ray said the cost of the project should stay the same.

“I don’t foresee anything,” Ray said. “We’re trying to get all our ducks in a row so they can hit the road running when school’s out.”

Minor said it would be a nice surprise for the kids to return to a renovated learning environment.

“Now, we’re finally able to get it done,” he said.