Friday, October 21, 2011

Renovation Progresses

Last week before the rain started, the large crane and rig were brought in to drill and install the auger cast test piles. The test pile consisting of steel and concrete would set for seven days before being tested to withstand the weight of the structure it would eventually bear. Engineers were on hand to monitor the process.

On October 14th, Senator John Pippy visited the renovation site at the invitation of Dr. Clapper. Dr. Clapper and Dr. Ondek showed the senator the progress of the construction and explained the plans for the building, noting the specifics for the integrated arts wing that would be added. Senator Pippy and his staff were instrumental in securing a $250,00 grant for that addition that would house the arts and educational technology.

The gymnasium floor was removed in preparation for extending the building to accommodate the full regulation basketball court that will be a highlight of the gym’s renovation.

View renovation photos from October 12-21

Friday, October 14, 2011

Ground Broken for Integrated Arts Wing

On Friday, October 14, Senator John Pippy was the guest of honor for a ceremonial ground-breaking for the Integrated Arts wing of the Quaker Valley Middle School. Senator Pippy came at the request of Quaker Valley School District Superintendent Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed.

Due to pouring rain, the group set aside the shovels and reviewed some of architects’ drawings prior to taking a short tour of the building for a construction update. Scott Smith, construction manager led the group along with Dr. Joseph Marrone, Director of Administrative Services. Touring the facility with Senator Pippy was Dr. Joseph Clapper, superintendent, David Pusateri, QV school board facilities committee chair, and Dr. Heidi Ondek, assistant superintendent.

“Although our official ribbon cutting is tentatively scheduled for next fall, we did not want to let any more time pass without acknowledging Senator Pippy and his staff for their efforts which helped us secure a School Demonstration grant of $250,000 from The Pennsylvania Department of Education, “ Clapper said. “During this time of tight budgets this is one example of how responsive and responsible government collaboration can have a positive impact on public schools and most importantly the education of our young people.”

The new addition will incorporate the former district office and auditorium portions of the building and be converted to instructional spaces that will be dedicated to instruction in fine arts and technology as well as the addition of a new auditorium for performances.

The newly planned classroom and performance space is being designed specifically so students and teachers will have access to arts and technology activities during, before and after school. The Quaker Valley School District advocates for educational opportunities that further develop students’ creativity and innovation skills, essential to career training and 21st century success in the work place.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Renovations are Underway


The renovation portion of construction at the middle school is underway. Although demolition continues, the construction of infrastructure specific to the new additions is becoming visible.

New water lines are being installed and the ground has been prepared for drilling the auger cast piles for the new foundation.

In addition, concrete has been pumped to the third floor where the new concrete floor is being finished. Eventually VCT tile will be installed as the final finish to the floor.

Click here to view the most recent renovation photos.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fall 2011: Frequently Asked Questions

Months have passed, and the middle school renovation project is underway. Here are the latest, most frequently asked questions, along with their answers:

What caused the delay to the middle school renovation project?
In April 2011, the Quaker Valley Board of School Directors unanimously rejected all bids for the project because they were significantly higher than expected.

What took place between April 2011 and June 2011?
Throughout these months, the architects, engineers, administration, and board members worked diligently to “value engineer” the project in order to lower the overall costs to the district.

Was the district successful with lowering the cost of the original project?
Yes, The second bid showed a significant overall savings of $4.3 million from the original April 2011 bids.

From April to June, what changes were made from the original plan?
The board decided to delay the athletic field and retaining wall along Ohio River Boulevard. Additionally, design changes were made in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and technology areas. There were also many changes to building materials, such as flooring and other finishes. .

How much did the re-bid process delay the project?
The project started seven weeks later than expected.

Will 7th and 8th grade students need to return to Anthony Wayne for 2012-13 because of the seven-week delay?
The district has developed an aggressive renovation timeline that calls for the substantial completion of the project in mid to late August with school opening following Labor Day. Although it is extremely early, we have no reason to believe at this point that this timeline will not be met.

However, there are always unknown factors when renovating a building of this age. Additionally, there could be product delivery issues (e.g. steel, etc.) or regulatory agencies could be slow in providing the approvals necessary to advance the project. Rest assured, though, the district administration and the school board will do everything within their power and authority to adhere to the established timeline. A full-time construction manager is on-site every day, along with Dr. Joseph Marrone, director of administrative services, to direct and monitor the entire project.

As always, the safety of our children is absolutely paramount. Students will not return to Quaker Valley Middle School until we are confident that the environment is safely prepared.

When will the 2012-13 school year begin?
An official school calendar will be adopted in January, 2012. We already plan that the 2012-2013 school year will not begin until after Labor Day.

Why did the board borrow an additional $6 million?
In July the board borrowed an additional $6 million for three reasons. First, the additional funding was needed to complete the renovations that were approved in July. Second, the additional funding will allow the district to complete the retaining wall and work on the athletic field and track. Delaying this work would only prolong the disruption of the entire site. Finally, the board borrowed the additional funds in order to have the money available to address necessary capital building projects ~ primarily at Quaker Valley High School.

It should be noted that district borrowed this additional amount at a historically low rate.

What kinds of communication strategies will you use to keep the public updated?
The school district has made extensive efforts to be transparent and informative when it comes to providing details about the middle school renovation project. We have established a blog with information and photos, eLinks are emailed with updates, and there have been a variety of informational community meetings. In the coming weeks and months, we will provide video depicting the progress of the renovations. None of these tools were used during the elementary renovations.