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ESCANABA -- Tuesday was the first day back to school for students in the Escanaba Area Public Schools.  But they had to navigate through a major, ongoing construction project that's aimed at improving technology and reducing energy costs.

“The construction really hasn't affected me at all,” explains freshman Jim McNeil.  “The navigation has been simple.  And if you have a question, you can ask someone in the school and they'll tell you."

The $17.4 million project includes renovations to classrooms and roof, window, and insulation replacements, just to name a few.  Teachers also have tech podiums with document cameras.    

They've made a lot of progress in the construction, but there's still a ways to go.  Still, it'll be worth it, especially for seniors.

“They're going to feel like the vast majority of their senior year,” said Principal Doug Leisenring, “they’ll feel they've got a new school.  I think it'll be a real exciting end to their high school career.  I think the kids will really see the benefit of this renovation late this year and into the following year."

But what other things are students excited about this year?

“I'm really looking forward to football.  We have a good team," McNeil said.

But McNeil admits that in addition to sports, he's also looking forward to taking Spanish and Geometry.

Right now, Escanaba High School is about 18 months into the 26-month construction project.  School officials said that by this time next year, the class size will grow even more with the addition of seventh graders at the school.