COPES CORNERS – Following voter approval of an $8.5 million building project in December, Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton school officials say the project is now getting under way.

“We are starting the design process now,” said G-MU Superintendent Doug Exley.

Exley said he has met with the architects and has conducted meetings with various departments in order to get started mapping out the re-design area and process. “The library will be first, followed by the science labs,” said Exley.

Throughout 2007, Exley says a main focus was placed on the building project and what it will mean for the students of today and the students of tomorrow. From new classrooms to upgrading technology and providing more space for students, Exley says the project will improve many areas of the building.