Kimball Administration explains Bell, Rush, and ICS school construction plans to Board

Sup. Kimball

In the April 18 Regular School Board meeting the Kimball Administration presented modernization plans for Bell, Rush, and ICS schools (1) to the School Board.  Construction for all three schools is planned for 2011, pending public review.

Dr. Kimball told the School Board, "Construction in the 1970's was shoddy, built quickly and very cheaply."  He said  "These are the schools we are currently tearing down."  Kimball continued, "I think there may be possibly a point in time in Phase 3 and during Phase 4... when 'remodeling' (3) is done more often than tearing out and replacing."   Facilities Director Forest Miller presented the following 'modernization' (tear out and replace) plans for Bell, Rush, and ICS: 

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BELL ELEMENTARY:   Modernization.  A wetland is located on the SW portion of the parcel so the project site is constrained.  Modernization will have to be phased with the gym, library and cafeteria impacted over time.  The pre-school will have one entrance.  The general contractor is involved early is the process resulting a  financial stake in keeping the project within budget and on schedule (GC/CM process). (2)

RUSH ELEMENTARY:  Modernization.  Portables are presently on a wetland on the south side of the school grounds, so construction won't take place here.  Forest didn't say if the portables will be removed.  Dir. Pendergrass asked about the construction noise; Forest said most of the construction work will occur when not in session.  The new, 2-story structure will be larger than the tear-out and built into the hill.  GC/CM process employed. (2)

INTERNATIONAL CHOICE SCHOOL (ICS)/Community Elementary:  Modernization.  The new single story structure well be sited west of the tear-out school.  However, the library portion is on a second story.  Dir. Nancy Bernard asked about the views.  ICS will be about the same size as the tear-out except for extra space to house the 6th grade.  Two entries and additional parking is in the design.  "100" people attended a PTSA meeting at district headquarters about the plan.

The Administration said they made modernization presentations to the School Board on November 11, 2010 for Keller, Sanburg, and Discovery schools. Carson and Frost El construction is already completed. LWHS, Finn Hill JH, and Muir El are under construction.

(1) The High School additions and STEM construction projects were previously reported.
(2) GC/CM process described.  Bell, Rush, and Mann used GC/CM.
(3) double entendre - replace, rebuild, remodel, modernize

By Bob Yoder
Source:  April 18 Regular School Board meeting.