About a month after students started classes at Bow Lake Elementary, parts of the school are still under construction.

The central heating system is set to become operational this week.

The SeaTac school is the first of the Highline District's new buildings not to open on time. Opening was delayed from Sept. 5 until Monday, Sept. 10.

Assistant Superintendent Geri Fain blamed construction delays on bid complications, weather problems and labor shortages.

Cedarhurst Elementary in Burien, whose opening was delayed by a roof fire, will open to students after winter break, district officials have announced.

Cedarhurst students are temporarily housed at the Sunnydale School site.

The new Mt. Rainier High in Des Moines opened on time last month.

At Bow Lake, classrooms and the office are open but completion of other parts of the school is ongoing.

According to a district update, carpet is being installed and considerable progress has been made on the library.

The community room, music room and two student restrooms were set to open around Oct. 1.

District officials expect the school to be finished by November.

Ten portable heaters were brought in last week for use until the central heating system is turned on.

Security officers are at the school during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal to keep students away from work areas.

Three additional staff members also help ensure student safety and assist with the move-in.

Board members faced upset parents at their meeting last month.

"It's going to be a beautiful building when it is all done," parent Cheryl Forbes remarked. "The problem is, it is not done.

"I wish the school had not opened until it was done."

Forbes said students could hurt themselves on construction equipment and voiced concern about student contact with construction workers.

Bow Lake PTSA president Terri Hewitt added, "We are looking for straight answers. We don't want to hear (construction will be finished by) November, because we don't believe it."

Parent Art Kelly, an ironworker, said the contractor should pay penalties for missing the deadline.

"There is no excuse for it," Kelly declared. "But at this point, the only thing we can do is snivel and cry."

The day after the board meeting, an outside contractor conducted a safety inspection and concluded students were adequately separated from construction areas.

Inspector Jim Rogers reported, "My impression of the environment was that safety was first and that noted items would be immediately remedied.

"I observed a very professional hard-working teacher group leading students that (to the person) felt safe in their new facility."

District officials also said the contractor had assured them that background checks were conducted on all workers.

Board member Phyllis Byers disputed parent claims that the contractor had not worked during the summer.

"My house is on the Bow Lake property line. They were there every morning at 6-Monday through Sunday," Byers said.

Superintendent John Welch told parents, "I apologize for myself and the staff. I'm sorry.'

He added, "Student safety is our number one concern."

District officials ask that anyone with safety concerns at Bow Lake contact the communications office at 206-433-2331 or rogerscc@hsd401.org.