The DeKalb School Board reviewed school improvements Monday for the elementary and middle schools in anticipation of the upcoming school year, which begins Sept. 7.

Terry Fielding, a pricing executive for Turner Construction, said they surveyed the progress of each school individually Monday afternoon.

Many changes have been made, Fielding said, including the finishing of lockers at Clinton Rosette Middle School, 650 N. First St. Continuous work has also been made on the paving and concrete at Chesebro Elementary School, 900 E. Garden St.

The second floor in Huntley Middle School, 821 S. Seventh St., has been finished and the first floor of the middle school will be done by next week, Fielding said.

Due to the significant increase in building permits withing the district in 2002-’03, and more housing starts in 2004, the board also addressed how this growth would affect the school district.

Board member Andy Small said the board has fallen behind in talks dealing with the growth and that they should look at scenarios that look at the unbelievably fast growth of a community.

“Today’s standards may not be tomorrow’s standards,” he said.

District Financial Advisor Linda Rafanello said the plan should concentrate on marketing.

“As a board, we should not only have a position on growth but a plan and place about what we’re going to do about it,” she said.

School Board Secretary Holly Wallace said the board should send a message to Cortland as to whether or not they will build a school in the town or keep the land listed on the top of the annexation agendas.

Board members also introduced new district superintendent Paul Beilfuss to the audience.