Board Authorizes Emergency Ceiling Replacement

For the second time this August the Bronxville Board of Education convened to authorize funds for emergency construction work, addressing concerns about the third floor ceiling in the oldest parts of the school building.  After a partial hallway ceiling collapse on July 26, the district's architects and construction managers, KG&D and Park East, conducted further inspections and concluded that some other classrooms under attic space could also be at risk. Other areas are not similarly vulnerable because of the different method of construction -- concrete deck rather than wood joists.)

The initial plan, estimated to cost $469,000, called for repair by reattaching the existing ceiling to the support structure above. Based on further assessment of conditions, however, architects and construction managers determined that a more comprehensive approach -- complete replacement rather than repair -- would be more cost effective and a better long-term solution. 

In this classroom asbestos has been abated, and the ceiling will be replaced.

Board members expressed support for the more comprehensive approach, which will completely remove ceiling asbestos in most third floor classrooms. Board President David Brashear commented that the plan will make permanent improvements and help modernize a building, first erected in 1920.

After discussion about the scope of the problem and the means for financing the project, the Board  passed a resolution for a revised plan, not to exceed $997,428.  About $377,000 of the total is for asbestos abatement. Funds will be obtained by transferring monies from various reserves, partially offset by insurance recoveries.The abatement portion of this work, including air quality testing, is scheduled for completion by August 28th. At that point, demolition, electrical work, and carpentry will begin, and construction will extend through the first month of school, largely during off hours. During this period, a number of classrooms on the third floor will be unavailable - six on the High School side and four on the Middle School side. These classes will be rescheduled to other building locations, and access will be phased in as construction is complete.

Superintendent David Quattrone praised the efforts of the professional consultants over the past month.  "KG&D and Park East have been energetic, committed allies in response to this situation.  They have worked quickly and efficiently to protect the safety of all, move forward to a timely completion, and minimize costs.  I am very grateful for and am impressed by their expertise and collaboration. I value their partnership highly. Our asbestos contractor, Suburban, and environmental consultant, Omega, have also been important and effective team players in this work.  Working together, we have come up with a plan that provides a long-term solution, not just a temporary fix. I am confident in our approach. Finally, we are fortunate that the initial collapse occurred with no one in the building and at a point in time when we can recover with minimal disruption to the educational process."