Engineers offer school remodeling alternatives

W Design engineers looked for the middle ground they felt existed between opponents lined up on the two sides of the playground, as the engineers and a building committee researched and inspected McCook's public elementary schools.

The report engineers Dave Wilson and Greg Wolford presented to school board members Monday dispelled both beliefs -- that the three buildings can be easily remodeled and modernized, and that they are overcrowded, outdated hulks that should be done away with.

At the direction of the board, W Design developed a plan that looked at the physical and functional deficiencies and needs of East, West and North wards. The most surprising aspect of their inspection tours, Wilson said, was discovering that most of the classrooms are of adequate size -- and not too small -- at all three wards. "The classrooms are big enough for the existing population of students," Wilson said.

Wolford and Wilson presented their two alternatives at the meeting Monday. Both plans accommodate the board's transition from a K-4 configuration to K-3.

ALTERNATIVE 1

The first alternative is to remodel the three existing facilities, at a cost of $2,025,938.26.

This plan includes new storage systems for East and West wards and a redesigned HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems to eliminate radiators. New suspended ceiling tile would hide new ductwork and electrical systems. The plan includes architectural improvements (doors, windows, finishes), life safety improvements, air conditioning and asbestos abatement at all three schools.

The budgets for East and West wards do not include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access to second levels. The cost to add elevators to the two buildings cannot be justified, the report states.

This is a break-down of expenses:

- East Ward -- $766,749.38.

- West Ward -- $532,390.32.

- North Ward -- $726,798.56.

ALTERNATIVE 2

The second alternative expands and remodels East Ward and remodels North Ward. It eliminates West Ward. The cost for Alternative 2 is $2,436,457.21.

The expansion at East Ward would provide a new multi-purpose space, offices, an elevator and areas for special education, Title One, music and resource. Classrooms converted for these special-use classes in the existing building would be returned to classroom use.

The East Ward office would be relocated closer to the main entrance and lockers would be added in the hallways for students' coats and backpacks.

This plan provides full ADA accessibility and air conditioning throughout both buildings.

The plan retains the three modular classrooms at North Ward.

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The first alternative fixes physical deficiencies of the three ward schools; the second alternative addresses both physical and functional concerns.

Wolford said his firm feels the second alternative better demonstrates an approach to solving the needs of the district, with a relatively modest increase in cost over remodeling all three buildings.

The cost of new construction, Wolford said, is $85 per square foot. The improvements proposed for the McCook facilities would cost $32 per square foot.

Wolford said the $2.4 million is a quarter of the figure requested in the last bond election -- $9.7 million -- which would have remodeled North Ward and built a new East Ward. "This is a much more manageable figure," Wolford said.

He continued, " We don't need to bulldoze buildings and start over. We can work with those we have, with some additions to address functional deficiencies."

Wolford said construction at East Ward would probably take nine to 12 months; the work at North Ward could possibly be done during the summer.

Wilson told board members the transformation of the former Holbrook school building into the Central Plains Development Center was a project with similar scope, as was remodeling at the Cheylin Schools in Bird City and a remodeling and expansion project at Dundy County High School in Benkelman. W Design was involved in all three projects, Wilson said.

In the second alternative, the modular classrooms remain at North Ward. Wilson said the modulars are "working well for educational delivery," and provide adequate space for education.

Board member Dawn Andersen said, "We still have the modulars. That's a concern."

Fellow board member Jack Clark said however, "If the current trend continues, will our enrollment justify having to use the modulars? "

Board member Mike Gonzales said the modulars could always be used somehow, if they were not needed for classroom space.

Board member Jim Coady said he would like to see figures for adding six classrooms onto North Ward, to eliminate the modulars.

Clark said he was pleased with the W Design study. "We need functional facilities people can utilize now," he said.

Clark suggested giving the plan to the board's facilities committee which would make a recommendation to the full board.

Either option would require the approval of voters.