ST. JOHN | Chicago White Sox fans weren't the only ones praying for no rain on opening day.

"We're moving ahead because of no rain," Ed Vargo, Lake Central School Corp. director of construction, told the School Board on Monday.

"Even though we go inside and work when it's wet, any day that the sun shines it's a day of progress. We're doing the best we can with the weather."

The district is still waiting until May to make a final decision on whether Clark Middle School will open in August. Superintendent Janet Emerick said she and others will meet soon with finishing contractors, town officials and fire marshals.

The roof is complete on the educational side of the building, Vargo said. A strike by the fire sprinkler contractor will not affect construction, he added.

"I'd like to thank Ed for his diligence in trying to move this project along," said board member George Baranowski. "One of our No. 1 things here is trying to make August a reality."

Nearly $1.3 million in bid awards for Clark were approved for widening and asphalt paving, concrete curbs and sidewalks and the gymnasium floor.