NORMAL -- Unit 5 workers preparing classrooms say everything will be ready for the start of school Wednesday despite a lot of renovations done this summer.

"We've made huge improvements in so many places," said Jeff Monahan, Unit 5's construction management coordinator.

"It was an aggressive summer," Monahan told the school board this week after going through a long list of construction and renovation items accomplished at the schools. "I hope not to repeat one like this."

Renovations throughout the Normal-based school district and the ongoing construction of three schools in Bloomington were part of a $96.7 million bond referendum voters approved last year.

At Sugar Creek Elementary School, which saw more renovations than any other school, work will continue through the weekend. Furniture is being moved into classrooms now, and hardware on doors and windows will be done after that, said Turner Construction Manager Richard Ach.

The school, which will double in size by 2010, received new parking, driveways and geothermal heating and cooling equipment installation this summer.

At Hudson Elementary School, the new instructional media center/library is expected to be complete in October. In the meantime students will use the village's library, which is within walking distance.

Hudson's renovated classrooms will be ready to go, however, he said.

"The (indoor accessibility) ramps really look really nice and the office is a huge improvement," he said.

At both Chiddix Junior High School and Northpoint Elementary School, the street entrances and driveways were upgraded to improve safety for parents and students driving and walking in the area, said Superintendent Gary Niehaus.

Construction also continues at three new schools.

Walls are up at the site of the future Cedar Ridge Elementary School in south Bloomington, and work is set to begin on the second floor. At the future Benjamin Elementary School in east Bloomington, the gym is taking shape with the installation of footings and foundations.

The picture isn't as rosy for the future George L. Evans Junior High School on U.S. 150 in Bloomington, where work is 42 days behind schedule because of rain and soil conditions.