Jefferson Elementary School: Abatement Complete, Project Moving Forward
July 17, 2026
Jefferson Elementary School's abatement work is complete as of today. We expect to know air clearance results on Monday. If all goes as planned, custodial staff will be able to enter the building on Tuesday to begin mopping floors and preparing spaces for furniture to be put back in place.
Maintenance staff will be back on site Monday to restart the HVAC system and reconnect lighting and controls. Additionally, a contractor will be coming in to paint classroom walls in areas where lockers and cabinets were moved as part of the project.
Jefferson County Schools continues to make steady progress on the Jefferson Elementary School renovation project.
Initial preparation work for asbestos abatement began on June 8, with the removal of asbestos-containing materials officially starting on June 15. As of July 8, the abatement contractor has completed approximately 70% of the asbestos removal process.
Throughout the project, independent air clearance testing has been conducted as work is completed in each area. To date, all air clearance tests have returned clear results, demonstrating that the contractor is performing the work safely, thoroughly, and in accordance with all state and federal environmental regulations. These results also reflect the exceptional care being taken to properly remove asbestos-containing materials and meticulously clean each area before it is cleared for the next phase of construction.
Before any Jefferson County Schools staff or students are permitted to re-enter the building, the contractor must successfully complete the entire abatement process and the building must pass all final independent air clearance testing. These final clearances are required to verify that the building is safe for occupancy and that all asbestos-containing materials have been properly removed.
Based on the current pace of work, we are optimistic that final clearances will be achieved and Jefferson County Schools will regain access to the building between July 17 and July 24. Once access is restored, additional work associated with the renovation project will continue as scheduled. A painting contractor is scheduled to begin next week, painting classroom walls where lockers and cabinets were removed.
We appreciate the professionalism and diligence of the abatement contractor and the environmental consultants who continue to monitor the project. Their commitment to safety ensures that this work is completed correctly and that the health and safety of our students, staff, and community remain our highest priority.
Jefferson County Schools remains committed to keeping our community informed as this important renovation project progresses. Additional updates will be provided as the abatement phase nears completion and the project advances into the next stage of construction.
Talbott Elementary School: Interior Finishes Continue to Take Shape
July 6, 2026
Recent activity at Talbott Elementary School has centered on interior finishes and building systems within the addition, alongside continued progress in gymnasium and restroom renovation areas.
Activity within the building addition remains focused on interior finishes and building systems. Tile flooring has been completed, while ceiling tile installation is underway. Crews have also begun plumbing and electrical trim-out work, and network cabling has been completed.
In renovation areas, progress in the gymnasium has shifted to floor striping and finishing following the installation of new flooring. Restroom renovations continue to advance, with walls now in place and floor grinding underway. Epoxy flooring work has also begun as those spaces move closer to completion.
As work progresses, crews will continue to focus on HVAC installation, restroom finishes, ceiling tile installation, and fire alarm trim-out. Site improvements, including walking path paving and landscaping, are also expected to continue, along with project inspections.
Talbott Elementary School: Finishes Advance as Site and Renovation Work Progress
June 26, 2026
Recent progress at Talbott Elementary School highlights continued advancement in the building addition, alongside ongoing renovation and site work.
In the gymnasium, flooring installation is complete, with striping and finishing work still to come. Restroom renovations are also moving forward, with plumbing rough-in completed and work underway on chase walls.
Within the building addition, flooring installation has begun, and electrical connections have been completed with lighting now on in several areas. HVAC startup procedures have begun.
On the exterior, stairs have been formed and poured, while landscaping and grading activities are now underway.
In the coming weeks, work will continue to focus on HVAC startup procedures and interior finishes, while progress advances in the gymnasium, restroom areas, and ongoing site improvements, including walkways and landscaping.
Jefferson Elementary School: Abatement Work Begins as Project Moves Forward
June 22, 2026
We are excited to share continued progress on the Jefferson Elementary School renovation project.
During the week of June 8, the asbestos abatement phase officially began. This work includes the removal of asbestos-containing floor tile and pipe insulation throughout the building. As abatement crews complete work in each area, independent clearance testing is being conducted to ensure all spaces meet required safety standards before moving to the next phase.
The abatement process is expected to continue through late July. The abated floors will be similar to the recent Walmart renovation in Jefferson City, where VCT tile was removed and the underlying concrete floor was left polished. During the construction process, floors will have a finished LVT tile applied.
Meanwhile, Blankenship & Partners Architects continue to finalize the construction documents for the project. Once complete, the district plans to advertise the project for bids, with the goal of selecting a contractor and having construction activity underway by early fall.
The Jefferson Elementary School project represents one of the most significant investments in educational facilities in our community's history. Based on current estimates, the renovation project is expected to cost approximately $24 million and will modernize the existing facility while preserving the portions of the building that continue to serve students well. Planned improvements include upgraded classrooms, enhanced safety and security features, new mechanical and electrical systems, improved accessibility, and updated learning spaces designed to support student success for decades to come.
We appreciate the community's patience and support as we workas we workto enhance Jefferson Elementary for students and staff with modern, high-quality learning spaces. Additional updates will be shared as milestones are reached.
Talbott Elementary School: Gym and Interior Finishes Move Forward
June 16, 2026
Work continues across both the new addition and existing areas at Talbott Elementary School, with steady progress in interior spaces and building systems.
In the gymnasium, floor demolition and grinding are complete, and painting has been finished, preparing the space for upcoming flooring installation. Demolition for restroom renovations has also been completed, allowing work to move into the next phase of construction.
Interior work remains active within the building addition, with ongoing drywall finishing and electrical installation. HVAC units have been set on the roof, positioning the project for system startup. Exterior work continues as well, with the accessibility ramp now complete aside from final painting.
Looking ahead, crews will focus on HVAC startup, flooring installation, and advancing work in the gymnasium, while restroom renovations progress into plumbing rough-in and wall installation.
Talbott Elementary School: Interior Finishes and Renovations Begin
June 1, 2026
Activity continues across both new construction and existing areas at Talbott Elementary School.
Recent efforts have included the start of gym floor demolition and continued progress on interior elements such as drywall installation and ceiling systems. The fire suppression system has been connected to the existing building and successfully tested. Site work has also progressed, including continued work on the accessibility ramp. Early-phase work is underway in existing restroom areas as renovations begin.
The project will continue to focus on interior finishes and building systems as it moves forward. Upcoming work includes lighting installation and final electrical connections, ceiling tile installation, painting, stucco, and fire alarm systems, as well as ongoing renovations within the gymnasium and existing restrooms.
Updates will be shared as work continues across the site.
Talbott Elementary School:
Foundations and Site Work Underway
May 27, 2026
Work continues to advance on the four-classroom addition and new set of bathrooms at Talbott Elementary School, with visible progress across the site.
The roof is now complete, bringing the structure one step closer to full enclosure. Inside, crews are making strong progress on core systems. Electrical connections are underway, plumbing insulation has been installed, and both fire suppression lines and fire alarm wiring are now in place. HVAC rough-in work is also progressing as the project advances toward the next phases.
Looking ahead, work will focus on completing as much of the interior as possible, including drywall installation and finishing, insulation, ceiling grid and tile installation, and lighting. Crews will also continue site work on the exterior ramp, stairs, and grading, weather permitting.
In addition to the new classrooms, plans also include the renovation of existing restrooms and updates within the gymnasium, ensuring improvements support both new and existing areas of the campus.
