Members of the Facilities Accountability Committee (FAC) received an update at their May 21 meeting at the Board, on the cost estimates of the design development phase for the Heights High School Reconstruction Project. The estimate came in just over $79 million.
High School Project team members Pat O’Brien and Scott Wagner explained that cost contingencies are built into the project for uncertainties or risks. O’Brien cited this example: If the new school has roughly 170 doors, all of the doors will not be standard, much like a classroom door. Other doors could be bigger, costing more. The Design Estimated Contingency is built into the project to allow for those cost uncertainties. Should the costs be less than the contingencies, then it’s a savings to the District that can be used for other facilities projects.
At the June 2 regular board meeting, the Board will be asked to approve the High School Demolition and Abatement (GMP) (Guaranteed Maximum Price), the Delisle Auto-Tech GMP and the Temporary Stadium Locker Rooms Contract.
FAC Co-Chair Jim Cull said that after the demolition is completed, the Design Team with the FAC members should take a look at all the contingencies in the budget. “I think it will give us and the Board a better idea of what monies are left over to do some other projects,” Cull added.
O’Brien agreed, stating, “Once the foundation is laid, we will feel better about what contingencies are there. September will be a good time to look at that.”
Geothermal System – HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
In the Design Development Phase, the cost of a full geothermal system at a price of $1.3 million has been factored into the alternate renovations. A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a central heating and/or cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground. It uses the earth as a heat source (in the winter) or a heat sink (in the summer).
O’Brien informed FAC members that a decision needs to be made by August about what HVAC system should be installed. The decision is critical to the construction process, as key components must be considered during the foundation stage.
Incorporating Sustainability in the High School Reconstruction
Members of the Sustainability Working Group (SWG) have discussed and worked on plans to incorporate sustainability efforts in the new high school. There’s interest in making sure the building is used as a teaching tool, commonly referred to as BaTT.
At the June 16 Board Work Session at the Board of Education, there will be a presentation about the SWG’s involvement in sustainability efforts in the new school and how the District can make sustainability a broader effort with upcoming facilities projects. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. and public comment is encouraged.
Safety and Security Plans for the new High School
As the Design Development Phase progresses, there will be a detailed safety and security plan for the high school. FAC co-chair Jim Cull stressed that the plan should be addressed sooner than later to lessen the community’s concerns and anxiety. O’Brien assured FAC members that a comprehensive safety and security plan is part of the design plans and it will be shared with the FAC.
Community Comments
Floor Plans
As the Design Development Phase nears the end and the contractual phase will begin, some community members at the FAC meeting expressed their concern about the accuracy of the high school floor plan designs on display in the community. Don Fredericks suggested the community and the Board are aware of the most up-to-date floor plans before the Board votes on them.
Fredericks also suggested that the District should market the Career Technical Education (CTE) curriculum to private schools so they too can take advantage of the program. The District currently has a partnership with neighboring public school districts Shaker and Warrensville Heights.
The District has hired Duane (Brad) Callender, Director of Career Technical Education & Partnerships. His role will be directing the planning, delivery, assessment, and ongoing improvement of CTE.
Community member Allen Wilkinson suggested the Design Team share information about the interior details of the high school, like the placement of walls and glass.
A representative from Gilbane Construction will update FAC members on the construction project at the next FAC meeting, Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m. at the Board Office.
The mission of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District’s Facilities Accountability Committee (FAC) is to monitor and regularly report to the Board of Education regarding the status, progress and expenditure of funds for Phase 1 of the District’s comprehensive plan, as authorized by District voters as Issue 81 in November 2013.