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Renovation of elementary nears finish

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Workers are almost finished with a four-year renovation of Ruskin Elementary School, which includes new construction of 16 classrooms and cafeteria.

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: July 29, 2009

RUSKIN - Donna Ippolito is mighty happy these days.

When school starts Aug. 25, her teachers and about 900 students will enjoy the comforts of a facility that's been either almost completely renovated or newly built.

The multi-phase project at Ruskin Elementary included the demolition of an old, horseshoe-shaped building and former cafeteria; renovation of existing classroom pods; removal of portables; and construction of 16 new classrooms and a 26,000-square-foot cafeteria.

The school also got a new drainage system, public address and phone system, security and fire system, roof and media center. Most of its classrooms also have new air conditioning.

The cost of the project was more than $8 million.

"I think the whole school looks much better," said Randy Aldridge, superintendant for Horus Construction Services Inc. of Tampa, the project's contractor.

Until recently, the trend had been to build new schools rather than renovate existing ones.

"We sort of had a change of philosophy when we started looking at potential shortfalls in the budget," said Linda Cobbe, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County school district. "And with the increasing cost of land, it made more sense and was more cost-effective to renovate and add on, especially in high-growth areas like South Shore."

Ippolito said new doesn't matter to the students and teachers.

"We're just thrilled with what has been done here," she said. "It's a great thing for the community and the children who go here.

"Early records show this school is 100 years old," she said. "Parents and grandparents of our current students went here, too. They will also feel good about the changes - and proud."

RUSKIN ELEMENTARY

WHERE: 101 E. College Ave.

PRINCIPAL: Donna Ippolito

GRADES: Headstart through five

INFORMATION: (813) 671-5177

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 627-4760.

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