Crews at work on Manawa school projects
By Holly Neumann
Phase 1 of the referendum projects is underway at the Manawa School District.
Crafts Inc. will replace all ballasted roofs at Manawa Elementary School (MES).
“The roof replacement of flat roofs at MES is presently using a rock vacuum truck to remove the stones that hold the rubber membrane in place,” District Administrator Melanie Oppor said. “Over the next few weeks, new rubber membrane will be placed on all flat roofs and the stone will be redeposited to hold it in place.”
The tuckpointing masonry at Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School (LWJSHS) is being done by Holton Bros, Inc.
“Holton Bros. has power washed the exterior brick and is nearly finished cutting in expansion joints and caulking those joints,” said Oppor. “Expansion joints allow for the natural movement of the building structure through the seasons without putting excessive pressure on the brick which could cause cracking and spalling. Where cracks and spalling exists, repairs are being made.”
Parking lot, bus turnaround
Faulks Brothers Construction is working on the driveway, parking lot and bus turnaround at MES.
“Faulks Brothers Construction is doing the site preparation,” said Oppor. “They are using the crushed concrete from the former elementary site to provide a portion of the base material for the project.”
De Arteaga Inc. is presently forming up and pouring the concrete curb and gutter and sidewalks. American Asphalt will be laying down blacktop by the end of July.
Asbestos abatement
ADMS LLC is working on asbestos abatement of floor tiles at the high school. The commons, some classrooms and the lower level of the building will be the first areas to be abated.
“Given the tight summer schedule, ADMS had to select the amount of work that they could complete in roughly one month’s time following summer school but before the districtwide school registration day on Aug. 5,” said Oppor. “During the month of July, access to the high school has been limited to the school office, gym and upstairs locker rooms.”
Strict air quality testing is completed in each containment area where abatement is being completed. The remainder of the asbestos abatement is included in the phase two project plans.
Demolition of the former elementary school building is complete and will become green space.
“Useable concrete has been crushed and repurposed as clean fill for the MES parking lot and bus turnaround project,” Oppor said. “The remaining materials like rebar that are not being repurposed for the MES project will be removed from the site by the end of the summer.”
Work on schedule
In spite of the wetter than usual summer, along with the excessive heat, Oppor said the district is impressed by how the subcontractors have worked in coordination with Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction to stay on schedule.
“Clear and regular communication has been the key to everyone’s success,” said Oppor. “The district also appreciates the flexibility of both district employees and contractors. Some employees have needed to work offsite or flex their hours to accommodate project work and protect everyone’s safety. Contractors have adjusted their work hours to enable school functions to go on as planned or to get the most out of a work day when the weather is favorable. The partnership with all our contractors has been very positive.”
All work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2020.