Members of the Facilities Accountability Committee (FAC) reviewed the most recent design renderings of Heights High School at their meeting at the Board of Education, Thursday, April 23.
Design Team member John Orsini shared a PowerPoint including renderings of the building’s exterior, floor plans and a list of sustainability efforts toward LEED scorecard. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green (environmentally friendly) buildings.
The sustainability efforts toward LEED were discussed, including many that are a part of the renovation project and those still being considered. See the full list here.
Some of the features that will be a part of the Design Development plan to be presented to the board on May 19 include:
- The central plant HVAC system will be a hybrid geothermal system and the District will consider a bid alternate for a full geothermal system.
- The building allows for natural lighting.
- The building is solar ready.
- The building will include energy efficient light fixtures.
FAC co-chairman Jim Cull requested from the Design Team a breakdown of what the high school’s current costs are compared to what the costs will be for a new high school. One specific difference will be that the current high school is not fully air conditioned. The new school will have full air conditioning.
EDGE Diversity Program
The High School Renovation Project also includes the District’s commitment to the state’s EDGE program. EDGE stands for Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity. The EDGE program ensures minority contractors are a part of the project. The District, along with the construction companies, Gilbane and Ozanne, will host a Diversity Partnership Meeting at Heights High to inform interested parties about bid packages:
- When: Thursday, May 14
- Time: 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Cleveland Heights High School Social Room
*Advanced Registration is Required. Please register at Gilbane Construction
Gateway Plaza Update
The Cleveland Heights City Council Planning Commission has approved the plans for the design of the Gateway building at Heights High Tiger Stadium. The Gateway Plaza will serve as an entryway into the athletic field and stadium at the high school. The Design Team will present the cost estimates for the Gateway Building at the May 19 board meeting.
Budget Information
Design Team member Scott Wagner shared the working budget for the High School renovations, including the Wiley Disabling project. Some FAC members suggested in the future that the budget information reflect the reporting cut-off date and print date.
Status of Solar Panel Installation
The discussion continues about the possibility of installing solar panels on the new High School. The District could receive a solar PV array with no upfront cost through a Power Purchase Agreement with a private third party investor. Design Team member Steve Zannoni says an attorney has been identified who has expertise in solar Purchase Power Agreements. That information will be shared with the Board to make an informed decision about how the District should proceed.
Community Comments
Community member Don Fredericks inquired about the spaces for Career Technical Education (CTE) in the new high school. His concern is that some teachers will have to share classrooms and that some of the classrooms and labs are not side by side. Design Team member Steve Zannoni commented that the state only funds four (4) CTE programs. He added, however that the building will be constructed with flexibility in mind. Some CTE class sizes are small now but that could change. Should that happen, walls can be adjusted to accommodate increased class size.
Currently the CTE Program is seeking a director. Cull mentioned that the first order of business is for the CTE program to have solid leadership.
Community member Allen Wilkinson also suggested the Board do a cost analysis of a rain water system. He believes it’s a sustainable method that could allow the water to be harvested for irrigation and other needs at the high school.
The next FAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Board of Education.