Page 6 - EdConnect10.2016

SalesSurtax: CriticalSystemsFixedorReplacedTopsListofProjects
By Susan Hann, PE, AICP, director of Planning and Project Management
The summer construction season is obviously the busiest as students aren’t in the buildings and teams of contractors and subcontractors race to complete
projects in time for the new school year. Air conditioning systems
that underwent major overhauls or replacements may still have
a few issues. While the two months school is closed may seem long really it’s just too short to tear out all of the old equipment, install the new equipment and thoroughly test the system before it is operational at the school. The facilities team is working to re ne operations and appreciates everyone’s patience as they work through any challenges.
This past summer’s biggest “hiccups” were the controls systems
that link the components in the eld to the controls o ce at Plant
Operations & Maintenance in Rockledge. The controls systems
tell the air conditioning when to turn on and o by reading the
temperatures and humidity in the rooms at the school. Because the controls are installed last, they may not be fully complete and tested before they are put into operation. Fortunately, the District has a great in-house controls team and they have been instrumental in minimizing any disruptions in service to our customers while we work out any controls issues in the eld.
The focus of the sales surtax program is to ensure the basic infrastructure is in place for our students. In facilities, the surtax is only used to fund critical systems – such as air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, building envelope, and safety or code de ciencies. All of the sales surtax projects recently completed invested in these critical systems.
With the sales surtax projects, opportunities sometimes arise to make other capital investments at a discounted cost. For example, the District is embarking upon a program to air condition
the middle school gyms in conjunction with the surtax projects, but using capital funds to pay for the di erence in cost. When we are already in the school working on the air conditioning
system, it is much less expensive to pick up the gym air conditioning as part of the project, just funded separately. Je erson Middle gym was done this summer and the design for DeLaura,
Jackson, Hoover and Kennedy Middle Schools gym air conditioning is underway.
Another example is the recon guration of the parking and parent pick-up loop at Andersen Elementary in Rockledge. The goal of the project is to reduce the tra c standing on Fiske Blvd., improving safety for parents, students, and motorists in the area. This project was funded with fuel tax rebate funds that can only be used on roadways (not buildings). In addition, the sidewalk at Tropical Elementary
on Merritt Island, was relocated farther away from the road this summer through a partnership with Brevard County. The District and the County split the cost of the project that was built by the
County Public Works Department. The District’s funding source was
the fuel tax rebate, restricted to use on roadways. Underway soon will be a sidewalk at Imperial Estates Elementary in Titusville, also being constructed through a
partnership with Brevard County.
Remember much of the sales surtax work is not easily visible, so if you see the Your Money @ Work banner displayed – check out what’s happening inside the school, behind the walls, under the oors, and above the ceilings.
Contractors continue to improve critical systems including air conditioning at schools throughout the District.
BePrepared. PeakHurricaneSeasonisHere
The peak of hurricane season is upon us once again and it’s a good reminder to always know your risks, build a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.
• Know Your Risks: Do you live in an evacuation zone or a ood-prone area? Do you live in a mobile or manufactured home? If any of those are the case, ensure that you have
a plan in place for yourself and your
family. Does a friend or family member have special medical needs, including electricity? Have them register for a special needs shelter on the county’s website.
• Build a Kit: Your kit should contain enough non-perishable food, water, and medications to support yourself, your family and your pets for at least three days. Don’t forget a solar, portable, or automotive cell phone charger, in case your home loses power; gas for your car and generator; and cash. Consider gathering a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency
• Make a Plan: Create your personal disaster plan at getaplan.com. Don’t wait until an emergency is occurring, and you are under pressure.
• Stay informed: Follow @BrevardEOC on Twitter, like “Brevard County Emergency Management” on Facebook, and/or sign up for text messages (Text Follow BrevardEOC to 40404).
Visit the Brevard County Emergency Management website for more information. (http://www.brevardcounty.us/EmergencyManagement/)
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www.brevardschools.org Volume V, Issue 2