Contractors have stepped up work at Salem Grade School to make up time lost during rainy weather.

Workers have been on the job late at night to keep the renovation and addition project on schedule. This week, construction crews were at work after 8 p.m. Weeks of consistently rainy weather complicated the construction of a roof on a two-story addition to the school, but school officials said the project is still on track to meet the projected completion date in January.

“These guys are really going at it and trying to stay in front of the weather,” said Gary Aull, director of building and grounds.

Voters approved the $6.5 million project last June to renovate portions of the school’s interior, improve energy efficiency by replacing old heating and ventilation systems and windows, and install bathrooms accessible to the disabled. The addition includes seven classrooms and allows the expansion of primary-grade rooms. A much smaller addition near the administrative offices will create a new, secure entrance to the east side of the building.

Most of the interior renovation was complete in time for the fall opening of school.

Administrator David Milz said he believes the most of the project will be completed on time. But he said a plan to resurface the east-side entry drive and parking areas on the east side, along with a driveway around the school, could be delayed.

“The biggest challenge right now is whether to put down the binder layer of asphalt,” he said. There is a possibility that work may have to wait until spring.

Although the project was approved by residents through a referendum, as the building began over the summer it sparked some criticism in the community. Opposition focused on expanding the size of the school at a time when enrollment is declining and programs were being cut in the district.

While voters supported the building referendum, residents turned down four requests to increase the school’s levy limit. After the fourth referendum, the district cut $1.16 million from the budget, laying off teaching staff, increasing class sizes and eliminating district-supported extra-curricular programs.

Schools are not allowed under state law to use money approved by voters for building projects elsewhere in the district budget.