St. Charles Building Essentials Appeal – FAQ
What is the solution for our building needs to bring our school back to our campus?
The two main issues that forced us to move were HVAC replacement and fire doors replacement. The solution for the first is a combination of mini splits units, wall heaters and a roof top unit. The original sliding fire doors were not able to be repaired, and had to be replaced by new magnetic double doors. The cost for both projects is estimated to be $500k. We plan to use $300k from our savings, leaving us with $200k to raise. We have already received $47k in contributions toward our $200k goal.
Why spend all this money to repair the St. Charles School building? Why not permanently relocate the school or build a new building?
The overall building is structurally sound in the opinion of building professionals. Thus, addressing the fire doors and HVAC needs of the building will give us at least ten to fifteen years to plan and work on what comes next.
Why does it cost this much money? This seems like too much money for this type of work.
The bids chosen from the companies are the lowest cost options from qualified contractors that can realistically address the issues that our building presents. The building committee has generously given many hours for several months and met with about 15 different companies. After considering and pricing multiple options, the committee has concluded that installing the HVAC system with the mini split units is the most viable option. The costs for the purchasing this proposed system is nearly $500,000 less than the first price the school received this summer to replace the HVAC system with a different type of system which only provided heating. The mini-splits systems are not only a less expensive option, but they also provide air conditioning to each classroom which currently only have heating. In the shoulder months of August, September, May and June, the air conditioning will be a welcomed addition for our students and teachers. There will also be cooling in the gymnasium with the new system, which likewise only has heating with the existing system.
What are the steps being taken and how long will it take to get the equipment required?
We are working with multiple contractors and engineers to finalize the contracts with all parties involved. Most of the equipment appears to be readily available within several weeks of being ordered. A few pieces of equipment will take 10 weeks from being ordered. The equipment delivery times will allow for the construction work to be performed in the Spring, and the HVAC work for the classrooms and hallways in the school completed by June, 2023.
The larger roof top unit (RTU) proposed to heat and cool the gymnasium will take 35 weeks from being ordered. This will not impact the completion of the HVAC system for the school, nor delay the students and teachers from occupying the classrooms in the school this coming school year. The ductwork and other electrical and gas piping for the RTU will be installed in advance when the other construction is being performed in the school. The RTU will be connected to the electrical, gas piping, and ductwork when it arrives. This should not delay the use of the gym for the students.
When will repairs start and what is the general time expectations for different stages of work?
Repairs for the fire doors have already started and will be completed this month. The first stage of the HVAC work, after contracts are signed, involves the mechanical and electrical engineers presenting the projects to the city and the health department. It could take up to 6 weeks for the project to be evaluated and approved. Upon arrival of equipment and with the permit for the construction, most of installation work will take 60 days to complete. The exception will be the installation of the RTU, which will take longer, but it will not impact the occupancy of the students and teachers in the school for the coming school year as addressed above.
Will the repairs be finished in time for next school year?
Yes, we anticipate the project to be completed as the latest by the end of June 2023, with the exception of the RTU for the gym.
How will progress and decisions be communicated?
We will update the parish on the progress of our Building Essentials Appeal every Sunday. The school community will receive the same update each Monday morning. Construction related decisions and progress will be communicated via flocknote monthly or at key milestones.
What is the long-term plan to ensure our facilities can support the growth of St. Charles Parish and School?
The building committee will be working with me to begin the process of planning for the facilities needed to support the long-term vision and anticipated growth of St. Charles Parish and School. We will communicate more details in the future once we complete the emergency repairs.