Superintendent Update #4

Friday, June 1, 2018

A lot has happened since my last update.  We have taken several additional steps to ensure that once this project is complete that the chance of future problems will be significantly reduced.  First, we have sealed the cement slab beneath the floor of all the classrooms and hallways in the contained area.  This has required us to sandblast the mastic that remained after floor tiles had been removed, apply an epoxy seal, cover that seal with a thin coat of cement and level the floor before new tiles are installed.  This should prevent moisture from seeping from the ground up through the floors.  Second, we have hired a company to conduct special tests to determine the location of any exterior leaks in the library and kindergarten wing.  These have been the source of previous leaks and moisture problems.  We intend to identify and correct those problems now, as we work to return the containment area to full usability.  These two actions are not covered by insurance, but our construction team agreed they were smart, preventative measures to take. 

All of the casework (bookcases, cupboards, cubbies) have all been ordered, but they are not projected to be delivered until after school is over.  Therefore, as I projected in update #3, we will remain in our temporary spaces through the end of school. 

The contractors have made good progress in zone 1 (west hallway) and zone 2 (north hallway).  When I visited the construction area this week I saw that the team was still working on sandblasting the floors in zone 3 (K wing to main office) and they were waiting for the exterior leak detection to be completed before finishing the walls in zone 4 (library). 

We had drywall installed in all areas, but this week we encountered a new challenge.  A drinking fountain on the second floor was left running overnight and flooded one room on the second floor and damaged two rooms below it within the work zone.  We have immediately begun work to address this issue.  Though far less damaging than the original flood, the water damage from the drinking fountain will force us to replace portions of walls and insulation in two classrooms on the first floor that had already been re-drywalled and painted.  The moisture was relatively minor and should be completely dried up well before the 72 hour limit needed to avoid mold growth.  Our industrial hygienist is monitoring our additional mitigation in this area. 

As I indicated in update #2, once the school year is over we will create a new work zone in the remaining portion of the west hallway (where the temporary main office is located) beyond the current work zone.  Our intention is to remove drywall and address any mold found in those remaining six classrooms to ensure that we’ve addressed moisture problems whether they were created by the January flood or by some previous event. 

I appreciate your patience and support as we have undertaken this very extensive project.  I am confident that we will have a cleaner and safer school building as a result.