Schools
Oakland Elementary Work Progresses
Investment in the building will provide an environment supportive of continued student success, according to Shawn Lewis-Lakin, superintendent of schools.
The students and staff at in Royal Oak will enjoy significant building improvements when they return to school in September. Second shift work started at the school in May. Beginning June 18, contractors have been on site daily.
Mechanical and electrical system upgrades are the primary focus of the work being completed. The scope of the project includes a new boiler system and new ventilation systems including air conditioning. This is supported by a new electrical service to the school that will provide the necessary power for this upgrade as well as future technology upgrades. Additional work being completed includes brickwork repair on the exterior of the building, the addition of doors to three classrooms which did not have doors, partial flooring replacement, and painting.
“The Oakland Elementary School community has been patient, but understandably concerned about the delay in completing this much needed work,” said Shawn Lewis-Lakin, superintendent of schools. “There is great learning happening at Oakland this investment in the building will provide an environment supportive of continued student success."
Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This work at Oakland Elementary, as well as similar work that is needed at Oak Ridge Elementary School, was a part of the building consolidation and renovation plan initiated in 2006, said Lewis-Lakin.
"When the sale of former school sites stalled during the recession, these plans were put on hold. Now, with increased interest in the former school sites generating dedicated revenue for capital improvements the Board is moving forward with Oakland School this summer, and, hopefully, Oak Ridge School in the summer of 2013," said Lewis-Lakin.
Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The property sale revenue is one-time revenue. While we are using it to complete those projects which have been on hold, it will not answer our long-term need for a revenue source dedicated to the capital needs of our school buildings. Our Board of Education recognizes this which is why they have been actively exploring additional options for meeting such needs.”
