Construction at Brookhaven High School continues to progressdespite a few setbacks caused by heavy rainfall in the area duringDecember and January.

“In my opinion, with the condition of the weather, we’re doingpretty good, but we are still behind,” said Robert Freeman, anarchitect with Barranco Architects and Carothers ConstructionManagement, during the Brookhaven School District’s board meetingTuesday.

He explained to board members that the rain delayed constructionat times because it would gather in areas, such as the orchestrapit in the existing auditorium, and have to be pumped out beforework could resume.

“We’re still trying to pump water out every day,” saidFreeman.

Although work has been delayed in some areas, work has been ableto move forward in other areas, he explained. The structural steelin the east wing is 95 percent done, and should be completed withina week. The installation of windows is also well under way.

Another construction project that will improve the BrookhavenSchool District soon will be the complete renovation of bathroomsat Martin Elementary and Brookhaven Elementary Schools, planned forthis summer.

The December financial report and docket of claims were alsoreviewed by the board Tuesday night. As they looked over thedocuments, they noticed the extremely high natural gas bills forthe month.

“Even with the loss of the main building at the high school,it’s almost doubled,” said Board Chairman Carl Aycock, whosesentiments were echoed by other board members noting the high billswere nationwide.

Board members were entertained last night by a large group ofstudents from Alexander Junior High. The students, complete withcostumes, showed school board members what type of activities takeplace on a daily basis at the school.

Superintendent Dr. Sam Bounds also presented board members witha list of recent accomplishments by students in the district,including several state band honors. He also complimented theBrookhaven Elementary School’s newsletter, compiled totally bystudents.

“It gives the BES newsletter a little added meaning,” hesaid.

The monthly meeting was closed with an executive sessionconcerning the lease and sale of 16th section land.

The next meeting, which was scheduled for Feb. 27, will be heldat 6 p.m. Feb. 12, at the central office located on CourtStreet.