Elementary project on pace for school start-up completion
by Peter Jakey– Managing Editor
Bill Schmitt, project supervisor for the summer renovation project at Rogers City Elementary School, sees no reason why construction cannot be completed by the beginning of the 2007-08 school year. That does not mean crews are not on a tight timeline, and that there is a 100 percent guarantee of completion by September 4, said Schmitt, who is overseeing the site work for construction manager Haussman Construction of Lansing.
?As of right now I do not have anything that?s telling me I can?t,? said Schmitt, who provided an update at Monday?s Rogers City Area Schools Board of Education meeting. Schmitt had good news for the board as the asbestos abatement, which started back in May, finished a week ahead of schedule. The removal of asbestos is one part of the project, which also includes the replacement of windows and flooring, upgrades to the heating system, the addition of a five-foot wide lift, as well as other refurbishment. SCHMITT SAID crews were just completing the demolition phase. Plastic coverings have replaced old windows. ?Next week we are going to start the painting,? he said. ?Following that we?ll start ceilings and the exterior walls.? The flooring will start going down the first couple of weeks of August.
During Monday?s meeting, board member Armand Loiselle asked if he could be given a 100 percent guarantee that the project will be completed before the start of school. ?At this point, I don?t have any bad news for the school,? said Schmitt. ?I cannot give a 100 percent guarantee that it is going to be done, but I am confident where we are at.? There have been no construction delays, but the tight time schedule stems from some parts, which are not expected to arrive until mid-August. With the original scope of work coming in over budget, there were parts of the project redesign
?SOME OF the materials take 10 weeks to get here, and we have a 12-week schedule,? said Schmitt. ?Some of my materials are not coming in until two weeks before school starts. That?s why it is so tight. If some of that material would show up, the job would be a lot easier.? Currently, the project is under budget with a contingency fund holding at $55,000. Loiselle also asked staff if there is a plan ?B?, if something delays the school re-opening. Principal Deb Jones said the Grambau Center would be utilized if need be.
Pat Lamb, who serves the district as supervisor of buildings, grounds, and transportation said, ?I have asked Bill on several occasions to let me know if he knows of any construction delays, or product delays, so we can get a heads up, and get going on that if need be. I?ve got my fingers crossed.? Schmitt said the 51-year-old building is in good shape and has been well maintained by the district over the decades.