By JIM BUTLER

August 2 is circled on whatever calendars school officials use these days.

Rapides School Supt. Jeff Powell told antsy School Board members at Tuesday’s District 62 meeting that that Friday is decision day for schools in the waning days of major construction.

Committee members are concerned about the pending opening of schools, for teachers reporting Aug. 5 ahead of students, then students themselves on Aug. 8.

Powell said he and construction overseers have been in plants measuring progress and evaluating what remains to be done.

As of Tuesday, he said, no opening delays are envisioned but acknowledged that could change.

The obvious concern is student, faculty and other employee safety.

Work at six schools is the center of attention — Alma Redwine, Martin Park, Acadian, Huddle, Peabody and Bolton.

The contracts nearing completion are among those at the 14 District 62 schools financed by a $100 million bond issue.

There are also projects at some other district’s schools that are coming down to the wire