La Harpe CSD #347

La Harpe Elementary Cafeteria Project Entering Construction Phase

By Dr. Janet L. Gladu, Superintendent

With continued support from the community following last spring’s successful referendum, the La Harpe Elementary cafeteria project is officially moving into the construction phase. 

The school is excited to see this next step begin and is grateful for the continued support and encouragement shown by the community throughout this process. 

The project includes an approximately 7,000 square-foot addition to the existing building, centered around a new, modern kitchen, designed to improve efficiency, safety, and meal service to students. 

In addition, renovations to the school’s main bathrooms will provide updated, accessible facilities that will serve not only students and staff, but also families, visitors, and community members who use the building through the year. 

Members of the district, design team, and construction partners recently met to finalize timelines and logistics, working together to ensure the project is carefully coordinated around the school calendar. 

The shared focus remains on maintaining a safe, stable, and positive environment for students while improvements are underway. 

A major priority has been minimizing disruption. The current kitchen will remain fully operational though the fall semester. 

During winter break, crews will transition into the new kitchen so that it is ready for students when they return in January 2027.

Bathroom renovations will take place over the summer, beginning after the last day of school on May 29 and scheduled for completion by August 1, 2026. 

By the start of the new school year, the building addition is expected to be “under roof,” with construction shifting primarily to interior work. 

This will help contain the jobsite and limit the impact on daily school activities. 

Safety will remain a top priority throughout the project. 

The construction area will be fully fenced off from start to finish, and a foreman or project manager will be on-site each day to oversee the operations and ensure work is completed safely and efficiently. 

The building permit has already been issued, allowing work to proceed as scheduled. 

The school team, along with the full project team, will meet monthly to review progress, stay on schedule, and maintain open lines of communication. 

These regular meetings are an important part of keeping the project running smoothly and ensuring that any questions or adjustments are addressed promptly and thoughtfully. 

• Key milestones for the project include: 

• Construction start: Late April/Early May 2026

• Last day of student attendance: May 29, 2026

• Bathroom renovations complete: August 1, 2026

• Building “under roof”/ interior work underway: August 2026

• New kitchen operational: January 2027

• Contracted substantial completion: March 26, 2027

As construction begins, this project reflects the strength of the community working together and looking ahead.