Changing a school

Northern Wells school board members will hold two public hearings this month to discuss three proposed renovation packages, known as options A, B and C. Earlier, Superintendent Scott Mills presented the following points to board members to explain how the renovations would alter the school:

Option A — $14,980,000

• Upgrade heating, ventilation and cooling to elevate the indoor air quality to compliance with the standards set by the Indiana Department of Health as well as improving individual room comfort levels and eliminating the excessive distractive noise.
• Upgrades will include improvements to the energy & security management system to enhance comfort and energy conservation controls. Removal of existing rooftop air handlers will further reduce heat loss through poorly insulated housings.
• Modernize ‘A’ Wing (and parts of B) to improve flexibility in the use of space for a variety of activities; to accommodate increased class sizes, and to enhance scheduling flexibility. Renovate the kitchen areas of food service to replace obsolete equipment and provide safer conditions for students and staff.
• Enhancements will increase mobility for physically disabled students and teachers; reduce incidental noise transfer between adjacent rooms and corridors; ease student congestion in corridors; add power and digital capabilities, and reduce security concerns at exterior doors. Lighting and life safety will be improved to enhance energy efficiency and comply with current life safety regulations.
• Improvements will reduce crowding at serving lines and eliminate unsafe conditions such as trying to get through this cue with a tray of hot food to restock the cart.
• Concurrent with HVAC upgrades and classroom renovations, life safety improvements should be included for the safety of students, staff and visitors. Fire protection sprinklers and fire alarm upgrades will permit greater flexibility in classroom design while still complying with the Indiana Building Code and the National Fire Code. A building generator will maintain building climate, data communications and privacy protection during power outages.
• Modernize the auditorium to replace obsolete and dangerous equipment. Upgrade the seating with new fixtures to facilitate compliance with Indiana Building Code. Upgrade sound and lighting systems to modern standards and to encourage additional use.
• Renovate Performing Arts classrooms. Leveling the floor will improve student safety and permit larger groups to utilize the spaces. Acoustic improvements will support student health and enhance musical education. Under-utilized space will be renovated for practice and storage.

Option B — $17,953,000

• Option B includes all work in option A
  
• Manifold systems for expansion of geo-thermal heat/cool source and for expansion or fire protection sprinklers to remainder of building. Abate remaining asbestos insulation from building.
• Upgrade lighting for energy efficiency and improved illumination. Add power and digital capabilities for current teaching methods.
• Plumbing upgrades will include restroom renovation; sanitary waste piping replacement; water cooler replacement, and the replacement of hot water lines as well as the hot water storage unit. These upgrades will improve the sanitary conditions and restore the building to compliance with the Indiana Building Code.

Option C — $22,323,000

• Upgrade heating, ventilation and cooling to elevate the indoor air quality to compliance with the standards set by the Indiana Department of Health as well as improving individual room comfort levels and eliminating the excessive distractive noise. Included in the upgrade are air handling units; variable air volume boxes; ducted returns, and energy and security controls. Add softener to hot water supply system to reduce maintenance and extend equipment life.
• Brick replacement at Norwell Middle School will alleviate leaks and moisture penetration through the masonry and will allow for repair of rusted structural components.
• Replacement of metal wall panels and windows at Norwell Middle School will alleviate leaks from degenerated seals and increase the insulating value of the walls.

Learn more details in the Saturday, Jan. 14, News-Banner.