Demolishing the Old & Preparing for the New

Demolition continues as the renovation of Quaker Valley Middle School advances. As old pipes and wiring are removed, new pipes and new utility systems are being installed. Walls and stairwells continue to be torn down to make way for the new room configurations and additions to the building.

The district keeps a workflow chart to ensure that each stage and task of the construction is met in a timely manner and to assess whether or not construction is on schedule based on the projected timeline.

“Even though we have had some setbacks such as the asbestos removal, we keep moving the project forward,” Dr. Joseph Marrone, Director of Administrative Services, explained. “Other than some rainy days, the weather has not impeded the progress. The winter weather will be critical as to how we maintain the schedule. We have been pleased to receive many positive comments from the public as they watch the progression of the building.”

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Board Approves Bids for Middle School Field Project

At the November 15th legislative meeting the school board approved the lowest responsible bids for the middle school field renovation project.

The field project was originally a part of the entire middle school renovation project. After the initial bid came in higher than anticipated the administration and school board reviewed, redesigned, and modified the scope of the entire project. The board and administration took additional time to review the scope of the field project and separated from the renovation and construction of the Quaker Valley Middle School facility.

The general construction contract was awarded to R.A. Glancy, and Sons, for $1,021,600. The scope of the project includes: general site work, demolition and full replacement of the retaining wall along Route 65 and Graham Street; replacement of a 1901 sanitary sewer line that runs under the wall and part of the field; replacement of the oval track with heavy duty asphalt; installation of field event equipment; replacement of the fence around the field; installation of a flag plaza; construction of a portable restroom enclosure; creation of proper entry and egress that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act; installation of aluminum stands for spectators with guard rail and other safety features on the site. Project completion will allow the public to continue to use the middle school track during non-school hours.

The field portion of the project was awarded to Palumbo Landscaping for $628,100. The scope of work includes: construction of the under field including stone and sand structures; a drainage system including a perimeter drain, and installation of artificial turf. Artificial turf will afford the school and community continual use of the field while reducing annual maintenance costs.

Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent said, “We are pleased to move ahead with the field project as originally planned. It is important to note, though, that we will continue to prioritize the completion of the building and classrooms in order to move students back to the renovated school as soon as we can.”

View Latest Renovation Photos (October 28-November 11)

Video: Senator Pippy Tours QVMS Renovation Site

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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

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.

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.

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.

September 2011: Asbestos Abatement & Demolition Continue

At the September 13, 2011 facilities committee meeting, Landscape Architect Nancy Lonnett Roman, representing Pashek Associates provided a renovation update, reviewing the changes that would be made to reflect the board decision to complete the athletic field, retaining wall, parking and surrounding areas as originally planned.

During the month of September, asbestos abatement continued following the discovery of asbestos sealed in the floors between building levels.

Areas of the building have been demolished to make way for additions and renovations:

• A portion of kitchen and the complete loading dock have been removed.
• The former dance studio has been demolished.
• The athletics storage area has been demolished.
• The walls between classrooms on the top floor have been removed.

On September 26, 2011, the gymnasium was opened up to start work on the addition.

For more renovation photos, select the media gallery under the quicklinks menu on the district homepage and navigate using arrow in upper right corner to Middle School > Renovation Photos.

Relocation and Renovation Commence With the New School Year

On August 29, the seventh and eighth grade students were greeted by Mr. Aiken and Mr. Pellis as they arrived for their first day of school at Anthony Wayne. The students seemed pleased with the school; many had visited with their parents last week.

The maintenance staff, technology team, teachers and support staff had worked diligently all summer to be ready for the school to open. The terrazzo floors shine throughout the building and the classrooms are inviting and decorated to engage the students. The classrooms where Mr. Long, Mr. Truchan and Ms. Bruno teach are just a few of the examples of the effort teachers have made to make their classrooms attractive places to learn for the next year.

At Osborne, the sixth grade team prepared their rooms for the upcoming year. Many discovered they had more storage than they were used to while some of the specials teachers are sharing space and keeping some of their supplies in each of the “middle school” locations.

While the work has gone on at Anthony Wayne – the work started on the renovation at 203 Graham Street back in Sewickley. Though much couldn’t be seen from the street – there was much activity going on inside.

Following a successful auction to sell the remaining items that were not needed for Anthony Wayne or future years, the old middle school was turned over to the contractors. The first order of business was safety and the removal of asbestos from the building, which was built over a half century ago. Once the asbestos removal was completed, interior demolition began.

The year is off to a productive start — the staff and students are adjusting to their new schedules and locations but everyone remains enthusiastic about what this transition year will mean for the future.

Watch this blog for renovation updates. For what is happening at the middle school, check Middle School LIVE accessible from the middle school homepage.

School Board Awards Tech Bid for Middle QVMS Renovation

During a special legislative meeting conducted on Tuesday, July 19th, the Quaker Valley School District Board of School Directors awarded the technology bid totaling $1,929,600 to Horizon Technologies for the renovation of the Quaker Valley Middle School.

The technology award reflects a savings of $74,500 from the bids received earlier this month. The technology component of the project was rebid in order to redefine and clarify specifications for the project.

Construction is scheduled to start at the end of the July, as previously announced.