Wynantskill Union Free School District

Capital Renovation Project

April, 2008

A Message from the Superintendent:

     The purpose of this newsletter is to let you know that we recently received final approval from the State Education Department to go ahead with our voter approved Building Renovation Project.  We are very excited about being able to complete the needed renovations and improvements to our building. 

     As you know, much of this work involves renovating or replacing all of the internal systems; plumbing and heating, fresh air intakes, security, mechanical, electrical and code compliance.  Bid information was advertised and the Board of Education, at a Special Meeting on April 28, 2008, reviewed and then awarded the bids with the advisement of CS Arch (formerly Collins & Scoville Architects).

     One of the first items that needs to be addressed is the heating system.  In order for all of this work to be completed by September, we need to begin the first phase in May.  During this first phase, we will be conducting an asbestos abatement for the boiler room only, while school is still in session. 

     This work is completely contained in the boiler room area and, in accordance with New York State Education Law, 155; this portion of the building will be isolated from the areas of work and will not be accessible to any students or staff.  Although the work scheduled is routine, we have retained an independent Environmental Consultant to monitor the quality of work and the air quality around the abatement area.  All operations will meet standards established by the New York State Department of Labor, NYSED and USEPA to ensure a healthy environment for the students, staff and workers.  

     All other abatement work will be conducted over the summer in the same manner as described above and each time there is an abatement, we will post a notice on the school doors. 

     As we begin this project, you will notice the setting up of fenced staging areas, mostly in the back of the building.  Since most of the work will occur after June 23^rd, there will be little effect on the school day.  After school closes for the summer, the District Office will remain open in the same room but the Main Office will be moved to the Computer Lab and the Special Education Office will remain where it currently is.  This allows us to conduct our normal business, all within the same wing of the school.  The rest of the building will be closed for most of the summer to allow for this work to be completed.  There will be some ability to use the grounds this summer, however, there will also be times when work is being conducted that involves digging and trenching to install the sewer connection and making the necessary repairs on the Bus Loop, in front of the school.  Most of the work in the project will be completed over this summer but window replacements and other exterior masonry work will be completed in the summer of ’09.  

     The Board of Education receives at least monthly updates from the Construction Manager and the Architect at its BOE meetings.   Please also check the district website for updates as the project unfolds. 

     It is very exciting and somewhat challenging to be able to do all of these needed upgrades.  Please let us know if you have any further questions. 

A Message from the Board of Education:

     As you know, we are very pleased to be able to undertake this very much needed Capital Project, approved by the voters last May.  All of the necessary work and documents were filed with the State Education Department in October and last month we received the approval to go out with the project.  This was a very important step as it is tied to this project being state aided. 

     Bids were immediately sent out and the Board of Education is pleased to announce the following Construction Renovation Project Bids that were awarded at the Special Board Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2008:

      1.   General Construction

 Hoosick Valley Contractor Base Bid + Alt #1 & #2                         $2,968,975

     HVAC

    Campito                                              Base Bid                                $   974,257   

    Electrical      

    Flex                                                     Base Bid                               $   358,950

    Plumbing

   John Warren                                        Base Bid + Alt #1 & #2         $   138,490

    Total of recommended base bids plus alternatives #1and #2   $4,440,672

           (Referendum Construction Allowance is $4,830,692)

    2.  Approved Atlantic Testing Laboratories to perform hazardous material testing and monitoring.

     We are very pleased to be able to undertake this extensive project while also being able to complete two alternates (upstairs & downstairs student bathrooms) as the bids came in favorably. 

     Again, this project is on budget and carries no tax levy increase.  This project is quite comprehensive and invasive, however, through good scheduling, will impact the building largely over the summer, when students are not in session. 

     Please check out our district website as we will be posting information updates as the project unfolds.  Thank you again for your support of this project and our school. 

 Timeline Overview for Capital Renovation Project---2009

 Windows/Masonry Restoration       July-August

Gymnasium/Cafeteria Upgrades    July