Despite the apparent construction conundrum outside of Tecumseh Public School in Chatham, doors will be open for students on the first day of school.
Construction both inside and outside of the school has been an on-going project throughout the summer.
Gary Girardi, superintendent with the Lambton-Kent District School Board, said the majority of construction work is expected to finish before September 4. However, the pick-up and drop-off situation might be a headache for parents.
"There will be some parking lot work that will still continue into next week and that will be finalized outside of school time and not in the way of students coming to school," said Girardi. "We conducted extensive construction over the two months of summer and we have been in a position as a school board where construction is very tight to the start of the school year."
There will be more foot traffic this year at the public school, following the consolidation of John N. Given Public School. In regards to pedestrian crosswalks located near the school, Girardi said the current locations have been relayed to the municipality.
He said a consultant was hired earlier this year to look at if a crosswalk should be moved closer to the school and those findings were given to the municipality. Although there is potential for the crosswalk locations to change in the future, there are no immediate plans to do so.
In the meantime, students are encouraged to use the crossing at Craven Drive or Sandys Street. Guardians are also asked to go over safety matters with children ahead of the first day of school.
The school board has posted information regarding Tecumseh Public School on their website and Girardi said updates will continue to be posted.