Greater Latrobe School District is seeking proposals from companies it already has worked with as it takes a step toward remedying the leaky roof and outdated climate control units at the junior high.
The school board last week unanimously voted to seek cost proposals for replacing the roof from installer TMR and manufacturer The Garland Company.
It also is requesting a proposal from Siemens for a comprehensive HVAC project at the junior high.
Siemens completed a building audit and in August presented recommended improvements with a projected cost of $21.5 million and related estimated energy savings of about $8.2 million for both the junior high and the adjacent senior high.
At a December board meeting, TMR presented three options for the roof project, with base budget estimates ranging from $4.8 million for a roof system with a 15-year warranty to $6.5 million for a system with a 30-year warranty.
The company estimated it would cost an additional $800,000 to remove existing layers of roofing and insulation and install new insulation. The extra estimated cost for replacing some sections of wall panels at 15 roof drainage locations would be $280,000.
School board President Andrew Repko said the proposal will provide specific figures the board can consider as it decides how to move forward with junior high improvements.
Several members of the school board and the audience called for urgency with junior high improvements in the wake of a recent spate of roof leaks beginning in mid-January. Some required buckets or tarps to catch the dripping water.
“This roof has a history of major leaks,” board member John Petrarca said, citing problems dating to 2012. “I want to get moving on this right now. I don’t want the ball kicked down the road.”
Kurt Thomas, district director of operations and planning, said he didn’t know how soon TMR might be available to work on the roof.
School board member Heidi Kozar said the district has been informed by manufacturers that there would be a wait time of nine months to a year to obtain new HVAC units.
“The design of that roof already makes it a leak problem,” said Kozar. “The roof has been patched and maintained and cared for to the best that it possibly can.”
In cold weather, snow and ice can accumulate, blocking the lengthy path precipitation must follow to reach outer downspouts of the circular 1974 building.
Kozar said the building’s heating and cooling systems are at the end of their life and replacement parts are no longer available.
“Our maintenance guys keep these things running on a wish and a prayer,” she said.
Mold testing slated
School officials said there has been no indication of mold at the junior high, but testing has been ordered in response to public concerns about the issue.
In a statement posted on the Greater Latrobe website, district officials said odors reported at the school “were limited and are attributed to the asphalt-coated fiber boards in the roof system.”
According to the district statement, during the week of Jan. 20, “As the outdoor temperatures rose, the frozen downspouts obstructed the melting snow and ice on the roof, causing water to seep through the coping flashing of the mezzanine metal wall panels.
“Fortunately, the water damage was minimal, with most leaks contained above the ceiling — only a few areas with high ceilings required buckets to catch the dripping water.”
Additional leaks occurred after a Jan. 31 thunderstorm.
Members Bradley Toman and Dr. Rhonda Laughlin said they wanted to present to the full school board and the public a range of options for the junior high that have been discussed by the facilities committee. That includes the possibility of reducing the size of the building, which has plenty of room to spare.
Laughlin pointed out a scaled-back building would require a smaller and likely less expensive roof.
Repko said the district intends to hold public sessions to discuss overall plans for the junior high and other schools. With enrollment on the decline, he said, Greater Latrobe buildings are occupied at only about 60% of their capacity.
He said the board may need to consider options for consolidating buildings in the years ahead. Those options may include closing one of the district’s three elementary schools and moving sixth graders to the junior high.
Some residents questioned why the district wouldn’t seek competitive bids for the junior high roof project.
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Thomas said the district has worked with Garland for more than 30 years and also has a longstanding relationship with TMR. Those companies participate in a state cooperative purchasing program that is an alternative to competitive bidding by individual entities.
Thomas said seeking bids from other contractors would require additional work to develop project specifications.
District consultant SHP in November provided a district facilities presentation including proposed options for junior high improvements:
• $30.8 million for a full renovation, including a roofing system replacement carrying a 30-year warranty and a roughly $8 million price tag;
• $20.6 million for a less elaborate project, including a $5.6 million roof with a 20-year warranty, less interior construction and omission of exterior work including parking lot improvements.