Thursday, August 11, 2011
Estimated repairs to Peters Twp. school near $5M: O-R 8-11-11
8/11/2011 3:33 AM
McMURRAY - It may cost the taxpayers in Peters Township School District millions to repair damages caused when pyrite, a naturally occurring mineral under McMurray Elementary School, expanded after exposure to air and water.
Total estimates to repair heaving floors and cracking walls are almost $5 million when combined with adding two new classrooms and rearranging current space in the 18-year-old school off East McMurray Road.
Repairs are proposed in three phases beginning with $810,000 in summer 2012 to 2,700 square feet that represents the most noticeable damage, said Greer Hayden, president of HHSDR Architects/Engineers in Sharon.
While the cracks and changes in floor elevations do not present a structural problem at the school, the uneven areas may present a safety hazard, Hayden told members of the school board's building, grounds and transportation committee Monday.
Results from 11 test bore holes uncovered pyrite that naturally expands after exposure to air and water. The problem is not uncommon and also was discovered in Ringgold School District, according to Javaid M. Alvi, president of GeoMechanics Inc. in Elizabeth.
At McMurray Elementary, doors are becoming stuck, a cabinet cover in the music room collapsed and various cracks and irregular floors are becoming visible.
Hayden said a second phase of the restoration project could be anticipated in summer 2013 and would include 9,300 square feet of office areas, the main lobby and side entrance, along with the nurse's station. That phase would be the most expensive at $2,976,000. The third phase would cost $1,164,00 and would be centered around an office addition. The total cost is projected at $4,950,000.
If the project is authorized by the board, Hayden said bids for the first phase would be advertised in January and be awarded in February. Work would begin at the end of the 2011-12 school year and be completed by the start of the 2012-13 school year. The second phase would follow the same time line beginning in January 2013.
Reimbursement from the original contractor or the company that conducted the subsurface analysis is not feasible as pyrite is found naturally in the soil and the subsurface analysis company is no longer in business. Alvi said he expected the statute of limitations has expired.
Dan Solomon, district business manger, said he will investigate if any repair costs would be covered by the district's insurance carriers.
"I could ask, but I'd be shocked," he told the committee members.
Hayden said authorization to proceed with the first phase should be received by September. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.
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22 comments:
Do I remember correctly that earlier news articles on the pyrite problem mentioned that the existence of pyrite was known before construction even began?
But wait, are those not capital improvements? Will this be in addition to the "must have" $2.5 Million for the playing fields?
Gee.where did I hear 5 million from before? There is a lesson here..
...."Dan Solomon, district business manger, said he will investigate if any repair costs would be covered by the district's insurance carriers.
"I could ask, but I'd be shocked," he told the committee members."
School board members knew this when they voted to spend our money on ball fields. They chose to make game playing a priority over the repair of this school building. They are an embarrassment to this community.
Teachers at McMurray told administrators YEARS ago that sinking, heaving, and cracks were happening. This was ignored, as are many things.
Wait, an academic building is beginning to fall apart, yet PTSD chose to make spending 2.5 million on a ball field a priority? What is wrong with these people?
Never fear. Classes can be held at the PV fields--and at night, too! If it rains, who cares. The administration and board members don't pay attention to anything that goes on anyway.
I can not believe what this school board has made a priority with our tax dollars. As usual, they do what they want. Not one incumbent is getting my vote, they do not represent the taxpayers of this community.
Do not vote for school board members just to place a vote. I will only be placing my vote for 2 of the candidates running. This board does not have priorities in place.
There are 3 members who need to continue and only these three. Ritter, Smith, and McMurray.
I agree with you August 13, 2011 2:38 PM. This school board is lacking in transparency and decisions they have made in the past couple of years really have no benefit to the public education of students within this school district.
What a joke. We are emptying our pockets for a brand new ball field, for the rich kids that can afford pay-to-play. The district obviously felt their sports were far more important than this crumbling school building. Actions always speak louder than words!
Do not vote for school board members just to place a vote. I will only be placing my vote for 2 of the candidates running. This board does not have priorities in place.
August 13, 2011 2:38 PM
Just say it, do not vote for Erenberg or Sullivan! They are the
first two that need to go! Good bye
ANYONE SEE THIS?
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/break11/trinitysit-in08152011
Whoever thought to create a powerschool log on for parents who can then view all of their children's information without having to log in for each child with a separate id and password - THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a BRILLIANT idea! :)
"ANYONE SEE THIS?
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/break11/trinitysit-in08152011
August 15, 2011 10:31 AM"
that is nothing. two young ladies spoke eloquently at the ptsd school board meeting this evening. they actually voiced their concerns and offered appropriate solutions. you do not have to worry about criticizing mrs. sullivan because she resigned her board position this evening.
Do you know that the superintendents contract begins a new three year term this month! As some board members snuck her new contract through last time by a 5-4 vote ask if she is getting a raise as this is public knowledge. Let's see how soon CG. DH. LC. and LE forgot about all of the people that left and leave because of her and all of the problems she begins because no one wants to follow her lack of leadership.
This school district is ridiculous. One of the extensions they provided for power school help is non-existent! I am really tired of being fed lies and mis-information by this school district.
"I am really tired of being fed lies and mis-information by this school district." Pay attention as this is nothing new with this administration. Just listen, time after time after time people voice how they feel they were fed misinformation, this includes employees and non employees alike.
In response to: "Do you know that the superintendents contract begins a new three year term this month!"
Already done- she also got a hefty raise. Pretty nice gig. Hang on by a 5-4 vote, the district is recognized as this being one of the worst times in PTSD history, have excellent people leave, have great turmoil, and get a nice raise. You know, I never wanted to put this responsibility on the board, but I was wrong. Hey, kudos to the Superintendent. If one can exist with so many problems caused by lack of understanding and get nice money for little success for the community and district, more power to her.
Aug 17th----Hey, kudos to the Superintendent. If one can exist with so many problems caused by lack of understanding and get nice money for little success for the community and district, more power to her.
No everyone is at fault for not making her life as miserable as she is making the employees, parents and KIDS in our district.
I do agree this is a nice gig especially since we have lost nearly all of our luster under her leadership.
IF we are under such a budget crunch, why did the superintendent get a $9,000 raise?
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