WELLS — Wells-Ogunquit Community School District officials hope to move students into the new classroom wing of Wells High School this month.

WOCSD Superintendent Jim Daly told the Wells Board of Selectmen at its Dec. 15 meeting that officials anticipate occupying the new addition of WHS – the first phase of a $27 million renovation and expansion project at the school, which voters approved in 2013 – by Jan. 18. That date could be pushed back if the building does not meet school officials’ standards, he said.

Josh Gould, assistant principal of WHS and co-chair of the Building Committee, told selectmen that the quality of construction work has been the most significant factor in delaying the opening of the new wing, which was originally scheduled for December. Although some of the work to correct these issues has been minor, such as retouching paint jobs, Gould said the district is pursuing them to ensure taxpayers get what they deserve.

“Really, the key piece is making sure the contractor delivers the building that they promised,” he said. “The taxpayers of Wells and Ogunquit made an honest pledge to our community, and (we are) making sure that we get what was promised.”

Gould said other pieces that may need fixing include floor and ceiling tiles, some of which began drooping after installation. With the exception of adding signage, the exterior of the building is “starting to look like it’s complete,” Gould added.

Phase two of the project, which includes demolishing the existing classroom building and renovating the school auditorium, is slated to begin at the end of the month, according to WOCSD’s website. The entire project, which also includes a kitchen renovation, is scheduled to be finished in August, according to Gould.

Work began on the high school in summer 2014. Although it has been a long road for school staff and students,

Daly told selectmen that he thinks the wait will be well worth it.

“There is no other place like Wells,” he said. “Whether you go to a wrestling match or you go to a cook-off, people are very prideful, and when you walk into the new high school, you’re going to see that. We’re taking our time with it, and we’re going to make sure that it’s correct.”

– Staff Writer Angelo J. Verzoni can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or averzoni@journaltribune.com.