It’s been hot and dry this summer, but there’s nothing quite as disruptive as a rainy day when students, teachers and parents must navigate standing water and clogged downspouts on campus walkways.
Thanks to voter approval of Bond 2007 and summertime systems upgrades at several Spring Branch ISD schools, this disruption will be a thing of the past. Work began June 8 at three elementary schools and one middle school to replace and clean storm sewer systems and walkway coverings, regrade soil and make other drainage improvements.
The four schools, and the years they opened, are Landrum Middle (1956), Rummel Creek Elementary (1962), Spring Shadows Elementary (1968) and Terrace Elementary (1971).
For Landrum Middle, laying new storm sewer lines and cleaning existing ones should help the flooding issue in the school’s four courtyards. New sidewalks and regraded soil will improve drainage around the auditorium since the building’s floor slopes to below grade in front of the stage.
At Rummel Creek Elementary, workers are removing debris from sewer lines to prevent reoccurring flooding in the courtyards. After cleaning, a video camera will inspect the condition of the pipes.
Over time, storm sewer pipes can corrode, joints can separate from something as simple as ground movement, and tree roots can intrude into the pipes. The latter has occurred at Terrace Elementary. Construction workers are replacing the pipes, making every effort to save the stately, old oaks. In addition, new aluminum sidewalk canopies will replace the old corrugated metal ones on the north side of the original school building.
For teachers at Spring Shadows Elementary, improved slopes at their new concrete parking lot should help prevent standing water. Cleaning the existing storm sewer system, adding new catch basins and regrading soil around the campus will also improve areas that have had standing water problems in the past.
These storm sewer upgrades are just a fraction of the improvements slated for completion by mid-August. Systems upgrades and maintenance projects at all SBISD campuses, which will take place through 2012, account for about 44 percent of the $597.1 million bond plan.
Lee Sims, a project manager with the SBISD Planning and Construction Department, says these upgrades are certainly not glamorous, but necessary. He describes them as “maintenance on steroids.”
Also scheduled this summer is the cleaning and servicing of air conditioning units. Where systems have exceeded their useful life, new units will provide more efficient cooling and energy usage. Rummel Creek Elementary received its new chiller in April after a lightening strike, while Terrace will gain a new one this summer.
Energy savings will also result from newer light fixtures scheduled for installation at Landrum Middle, and Spring Shadows and Terrace elementary schools. Rummel Creek already uses the newer technology.
“These new light fixtures will probably save enough electricity to pay for themselves in a year to a year and a half,” Lee said.
Other improvements vary based on priorities set for these four schools and include upgrades to plumbing, electrical and security systems, as well as new interior finishes.
In a competitive bidding process, the SBISD Board of Trustees awarded Sterling Structures the contract for work at Terrace and Spring Shadows. Their crews are working 10 hour days, Monday through Saturday.
The board awarded DivisionOne Construction the contract for work at Rummel Creek and Satterfield & Pontikes Construction the contract for work at Landrum. These crews will increase their 40-hour work week in July if necessary.
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Some Additional Systems Upgrades in Summer 2009
At Landrum Middle School
At Rummel Creek, Spring Shadows and Terrace Elementary Schools
SECURITY
- Addition of security vestibule for guest sign-in and “buzz-in” to rest of building at Landrum, Spring Shadows and Terrace
- Addition of intercom system and camera so guests to main entrance can communicate with receptionist at Rummel Creek
- Addition of electronic employee card readers, magnetic door locks and more security cameras at all schools
- Installation of additional new interior fencing at Spring Shadows
- Additional exterior lighting at Spring Shadows and in teachers’ north parking lot at Terrace
PLUMBING
- Replacement of portions of the interior domestic water lines at Terrace
- Replacement of portions of the underground main domestic water lines at Landrum, Spring Shadows and Terrace
- Installation of new grease traps and sampling wells to be in compliance with city codes at all schools
- Replacement of problem areas in the sanitary sewer lines at Landrum, Rummel Creek and Terrace
- Conversion of clinic and other public restrooms to be handicapped-accessible at Rummel Creek
- Replacement of leaking faucets and sinks in 28 original classrooms at Rummel Creek
ELECTRICAL
- Addition of mechanical equipment to cool telecommunications equipment rooms and some electrical rooms at Landrum, Rummel Creek, Spring Shadows and Terrace
- Replacement of electrical distribution panel at Landrum and Spring Shadows; replacement of poles to support electrical service coming into building at Landrum
- Replacement of main switch gear at Terrace
OTHER
- Fresh interior paint, carpet, tile and ceilings in selected areas of all schools
- Roof repairs at Landrum; new roofs on two buildings at Spring Shadows