Starting on August 26, 2008,  RRMM Architects is beginning to complete the drawings (submitted for proposal) to make them 35% complete, which converts the previously released rough sketches to a more defined structure.  Borings and survey work is in the beginning stages of scheduling.  As sketches and pictures are available they will be posted.

September 23, 2008 - Energy projects are continuing with the replacement of failed HVAC units.  Lights are being replaced at the high school and will continue until completed at every school.  Roofing projects are planned and will take place over the next several weeks.  Survey work is being done and the borings are completed.  The final sketches are almost completed and will be examined by the building committee.  The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Sunday, September 21 and every school has a decorated shovel that will be on display to signify that the project has started.

October 6, 2008 - Serving lines are being installed at the schools for the cafeterias.  Planning continues for the final concept drawings.  Energy upgrades continue, as Meadows of Dan receives roof insulation over current gym.

December 12, 2008 - IT'S BRICK!  The Patrick County School Board decided to use accent brick for the high school project.  Realizing that this decision impacted the look of the school for many years to come, the Board decided to use brick to complement the style of the current facade of the High School.  The Board also examined the use of LED Lights for the auditorium.  The LED light used during the demonstration consumed less than 11 watts, versus 4 compact fluorescent bulbs consuming more than 50 watts, or one incandescent bulb consuming about 60 watts.

January 28, 2009 - Patrick County Public Schools would like to take this opportunity to review where we were and where we are in the capital program.  The capital program is made up of three parts and funded from three different funding sources.  The parts are:

The Greenhouse/Track project at the High School - funded by state and federal funds.

The Energy project, which includes lights and HVAC replacement - funded by the savings in energy.

The Additions/Renovations - funded by the proceeds of the sale of bonds.

March 2009 - We have received 75% plans for Patrick Springs, Blue Ridge, and Meadows of Dan.  This means that these projects can go out for a preliminary estimate.  Ameresco is beginning to advertise for firms through a Request for Qualifications.  This will be available soon.  The school board is also soliciting a cost analyst to independently review the final cost sheets for each project.  This has been advertised in the media.

High School Football Field Bleachers -  Part of the additions and renovations, which are funded by the bond proceeds, is to provide for access for individuals with disabilities.  The visitors side of the bleachers is to be replaced (hopefully) this spring in time for graduation.

The energy project, which is funded by energy savings and cost avoidance, has saved about $96,000 in energy consumption and cost avoidance.  The project is about 75% complete.  HVAC units are continuing to be replaced.  Only those units that are 10 years or older are being replaced, as indicated by the registration numbers on the units.

April 20, 2009 -The School Board last week, approved a list of 10 General Contractors that will be eligible to bid on one or more of the projects.  This will provide more flexibility and greater competition than in the past, as more construction companies are looking to Patrick County's capital projects as a more attractive endeavor.  Work continues on the remaining school plans to get them to 75%.  The school representatives will be meeting with the architects this week to select color schemes and go over the plans before the final documents are produced.  The staff will also be working with the fire marshal and the local building inspector to further refine the plans. 

The high school bleachers are here and will be assembled, weather permitting, this week with final completion expected by the end of the month.  The concrete pad is completed.  The parking area at the high school was paved, as part of the Phase II parking project and the track plans are taking shape as that project is expected to begin soon.  A teacher asked me the other day - "When are we going to start?"  In essence we have already started with some land survey work, engineering studies, the bleachers, and other items.  But tractors will be rolling soon.  By the time teachers and students return to school in August, we hopefully will be in full swing at most of the schools.

May 19, 2009 - The Building Committee and the School Board met last Thursday and discussed several items that significantly impact the capital program.  In an update the bleachers at the football field are complete.  This was part of the project that will address the concern that our facilities need to be ADA compliant, as provided in the contract.  The School Board is continuing to address the track and as soon as some legal work is complete that project will begin.  The Board also heard an update to the renovations that will begin this summer, which include locker restoration, gym renovation, and other items.  The Board also consider an alternative design to Woolwine.  After the staff, the architects, and a representative from Ameresco, met with the fire marshal, it became apparent that the cost of adding a second story to that back of Woolwine was becoming too costly. On the recommendation of the fire marshal and building inspector, the school board asked an independent firm to evaluate the cost of tearing down the 1951 addition, and build a new two-story addition vs. the cost of adding a second story to the current addition.   The firm confirmed that a completely new addition would, over time save money, and would be the same cost to build as adding a second story. Faced with this reality, the school board made the decision to tear down the 1951 addition and add a new two-story structure.  In other words, we saved money by building new.  The board also heard that the bid estimate due date for the additions is set for early June.  The building committee is scheduled to meet next week and is open to the public and will be advertised as soon as the date is set.

A few individuals have asked about what is in the projects, and about the bleachers we are replacing.  The projects are varied and continue to address the needs of the school system.  For example the football bleachers are handicapped-accessible and anytime the school division sponsors an event, it is necessary to provide accessibility to our facilities.  I would invite anyone to come by and talk about the projects and to attend building committee and board meetings to stay informed.

June 25, 2009 -  The Patrick County School Board approved in open session to enter into a contract with TU Parks Construction, after soliciting bid estimates for the construction projects.  TU Parks' bid was the only bid that came in under budget and included the seven projects' additions and renovations.  TU Parks has committed to using Patrick County people and will be holding town hall meetings to solicit subcontractors.

The Board also heard the following information on the total capital program:

• Locker renovation at PCHS begins July 6
• Football Stadium project - bleachers are complete are were ready for graduation.  The excavation is in progress.
• Survey work continues for placing water at Blue Ridge and should be completed soon.
• Meadows of Dan storm water drainage plan is almost complete.
• PCHS Track land has been acquired and has been bidded for work.  By acquiring the land, this would prevent a retaining wall from being built, which was required by the State for soil and water erosion.  This saved about $70--90K.
• The PCHS gym renovation has started and will be finished by August.
• PCHS auditorium HVAC in process. 
• Carpet installation almost complete.

June 30, 2009 - TU Parks, the firm selected by the School Board is holding a meeting for potential subcontractors and vendors for 10am, July 8, 2009, at Stuart Elementary School.

August 20, 2009 - Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin August 29th or close to that date at four schools.  TU Parks has an office in Stuart at 102 E. Blue Ridge Street.  Stay tuned for pictures and more.

August 25, 2009 - Construction trailers have been delivered, signs being prepared.

September 16, 2009 - the building committee met with the media to discuss the school projects.  Information is below.

December 14, 2009 - Updated Pictures below.

 

Click on the file below to see pictures of the projects and/or sketches:

Concepts High School - First Floor (Option C) High School - 2nd Floor, New Additions High School - Intermediate Floor Blue Ridge Elementary Hardin Reynolds Memorial Meadows of Dan Elementary: First Floor Meadows of Dan Elementary: Second Floor Patrick Springs Primary Stuart Elementary: Basement Stuart Elementary: First Floor Stuart Elementary: Second Floor Concepts - 3D High School (front 1) High School (front 2) High School (overhead front) Pictorial Updates Pictures (Updated October 6, 2008) More Pictures (October 21, 2008) High School Groundbreaking Ceremony - September 21, 2008 New Serving Line at Meadows of Dan (October 2008) PowerPoint Picture Presentation (October 29, 2008) April 2009: High School Paving and Bleachers Capital Update to Media September 2009 Track/Bleacher Update Pictures (September 2009) Meadows of Dan begins (9/28/2009) Patrick Springs Construction 09/29/2009 More Meadows of Dan 10/01/2009 Track Update 10/20/2009 Meadows of Dan 12/14/2009 Stuart Elementary Update 12/15/2009 Stuart - January 2010 Pictures - Woolwine - January 2010 Patrick Springs - January 2010 Woolwine Pictures - January 2010 Stuart Elementary February 2010