Updates on the two major construction projects currently underway with Fargo Public Schools, from Business Manager Broc Lietz.
As the heat from the dog days of summer pass and we begin the new school year, six of our elementary buildings will notice a significant difference in the temperature and air quality in their buildings.
Last spring, the Board of Education authorized the installation of new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) systems in the following buildings: Lewis & Clark, Clara Barton, Roosevelt, Horace Mann, McKinley, and Madison. This project began in some of the buildings just prior to the end of school last spring, but ramped up significantly immediately following the end of the school year, with a target of full completion by August 15, 2014. This was a major undertaking in a very short time frame, yet I am happy to announce that as of August 25, the project is substantially complete. There remains some work to be finished on nights and weekends in the boiler rooms for the heating side of the project; however, this will not affect student learning time.
As school visits commenced during the first week of classes, there were many comments from staff throughout these buildings about the improvements in air quality and temperature. It is important to keep in mind that air quality in these buildings was a significant factor in the decision to proceed with these projects. Although we have experienced lower temperatures this year than we saw one year ago during the start of school, the improvements to these buildings go far beyond the ability to cool the space.
The second major capital project approved last year is the construction of a new elementary school in Ed Clapp Park in south Fargo. This project was put out to bid in February 2014 and ground was broken in April to begin the construction, with a target completion date of August 1, 2015 in time for student arrival for the 2015-16 school year. Due to the nature of the soils at Ed Clapp Park, formerly the home of Mt. Fargo, there was significant soils testing, analysis, and site preparation needed prior to the foundation being placed for the school. Although we experienced some construction delays early in the process due to weather conditions last spring, the project is back on schedule, and walls began coming out of the ground in mid-July. Progress happens daily at Ed Clapp Park and we are very comfortable with the construction schedule.
This particular project remains an incredible example of community partnerships, as FPS is working very closely with the Fargo Park District, City of Fargo, Bethel Church, and Park Place Apartments. There is a great deal of logistical work involved in a “in-fill” project such as this, and all partners have continued to focus on the greater good for the entire community throughout this process.
Both of these capital construction projects are being paid for by revenue in the existing Building Fund levy. Although the district did issue additional debt for the completion of the projects, it did not require additional taxation for payment of the debt. Using the Building Fund also does not impact General Fund expenditures for construction purposes.