The starting date for classes at Shaler Area High School has been pushed back due to ongoing construction on the building and more time needed for cleanup, Superintendent Donald Lee said.

The first full day for students is Sept. 12, two days later than planned. The school will hold two orientations to familiarize students with new facilities -- one on Wednesday for grades 11 and 12, and a second next Thursday for students in grades nine and 10.

District officials revised their plans for the start of school in the middle of the summer when they learned the contractor would not be finished by the Aug. 25 target date, Dr. Lee said.

"The main reason for this change isn't construction as much as it is giving our custodial staff extra time to clean and our teachers extra time to unpack their stored supplies," he added.

Construction on "key areas" of the building -- classrooms, student lockers, offices and the cafeteria -- is almost done, he said.

"It's worked out great," Dr. Lee said. "There are still some areas that are somewhat rough, but they are certainly not unsafe ... most of the school will be available to students."

Bob Vita, Shaler's municipal code enforcement officer, inspected the additions at the high school Tuesday to ensure that smoke detectors were installed and operational, and the exit signs were in place and working properly.

"We're working diligently with the district to make sure the contractor's work is completed and code compliant," he said. Another inspection is scheduled Tuesday.

The high school will start two days later than the district's middle and elementary schools, and high school teachers will be given two extra in-service days to set up their classrooms.

Teachers reported to the high school yesterday to begin unpacking. "It will be chaotic for them," Dr. Lee said.

Eight classrooms still have not been finished, and one of the building's two gyms needs to have a floor installed.

Dr. Lee said he does not have a firm date when construction will be finished.

"The sooner the better," he said. "We're hopeful that this won't linger for more than a month or two."