By Andrea Calcagno
 
September 23, 2008
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Two of the 14 Medford schools undergoing renovations unveiled their newly remodeled buildings Tuesday.
 
Parents and students of Jacksonville and Howard elementary schools were able to explore the extensive renovations at both sites.
 
Meanwhile, Medford School District officials say the massive rebuilding and renovation project is coming in on time and underbudget. The 189-million dollar bond that was passed in 2006 is funding the renovations to all the district's schools.
 
"As of next month we will have contracts on all of our remaining projects, and we are on target to finish them," says Medford School District Superintendent Phil Long.
 
District officials say they were initially forced to speed up construction over worries inflation would eat up some of the budget funds. However, they say a slowing economy has slowed that trend.
 
"Sadly, the economy has sagged some, but for us it has helped us with some of our labor costs, and materials have stabilized a little too," says Long.
 
Upcoming projects include the building of a new South Medford High School, and the renovation of both Jackson and Roosevelt elementaries. Those two projects caused controversy because of their historical significance when they were demolished in August, but Long says students will benefit from the newer buildings.
 
"That's the hardest thing when you have to see a structure demolished, but what we know is we're going to build a building in Roosevelt and Jackson that is going to last 100 years, so there are many generation of kids and families to be served there," says Long.