A look inside state's costliest school

The main theater and auditorium which will house 600 people.

By Caitlin Castello, Town Correspondent

Press cameras were finally allowed inside the largely completed Newton North High School as city and construction officials gave the media a tour Monday of the most expensive public school in state history.

The construction project, which ballooned to $191 million and cost Mayor David Cohen his popularity, is nearly 70 percent complete. (See a photo gallery here.)

The halls and rooms were bathed in late-afternoon sunlight as the media joined elected officials and members of the design committee on the tour.

‘‘I think what you will see on the tour today is almost the fruition of what was started out over 10 years ago,’’ said A. Nicholas Parnell, commissioner of the Public Buildings Department.

Around 30 people were led on three tours through the school, hitting several highlights of the construction. The tour started on the fourth floor biology science labs, then proceeded to the second floor for a view of the athletic department.

The indoor pool was filled with water, as a test, since the tile is not yet installed. The two gymnasiums still need flooring; one will house an indoor running track.

Wires hung from walls, construction dust caked the floor, and ceilings are yet to be installed, but city officials were excited over the school’s progress.

‘‘Where they are in the project is impressive,’’ said Cohen, who has frequently visited the site.

Last week, Cohen announced the project is four to six weeks ahead of schedule and will cost $6.5 million less than budgeted.

‘‘At a moment like this I am filled with true excitement and a little trepidation. I am excited that the faculty, staff and ultimately the students of Newton North are going to have a wonderful building,’’ said Newton North’s principal, Jennifer Price. ‘‘I am nervous by the awesome responsibility that our faculty has to continue and develop an education institution that is worthy of such an investment.’’

Caitlin Castello can be reached at caitlincastello@gmail.com.