Renovation advances at Stratham elementary; steel fabrication delay likely moves first wing completion to February
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Summary
District officials reported progress on the school renovation—foundation, new boilers, PFAS treatment and security upgrades are in place—but fabrication delays for steel components are likely to shift completion of the first wing from December into February.
District administrators and the building committee updated the board on a wide range of construction and facilities work at Stratham elementary school.
Work completed so far includes pouring the new foundation for the addition, backfilling and burying new propane tanks (part of a conversion from oil to propane), and completing installation of a PFAS water-treatment system. Administrators showed a mockup of replacement fascia intended to address longstanding rot and water intrusion problems and said additional insulation under the roof has been added. The district has replaced the old oil boilers with new, high-efficiency units described to the board as self-regulating and networked to communicate with one another; administrators noted the boilers are expected to yield energy improvements versus the old units.
A multi-year plan to schedule duct cleaning on a five-year rotation will begin with one zone per year; administrators said the vendor will start work over the December break. Interior upgrades already underway include carpet and tile replacement and planned bathroom upgrades; the board heard that some millwork and furniture will need replacement in coming years and may be phased into operating budgets rather than the renovation contract.
Security work completed includes upgraded door locks recommended by Homeland Security, new fire-alarm-connected door holds so doors automatically close on alarm, and additional 360-degree cameras in key locations. Administrators also noted some exterior tree removal was necessary to create light and workable space for the addition; landscaping and hardscaping to restore green spaces are planned as part of later phases.
The building committee reported a delay in delivery of fabricated steel components because fabricators require 6–8 weeks from receipt of final drawings to produce parts. That fabrication timeline pushed the projected completion of the first renovated wing from late December toward February. Committee members said the delay is a fabrication scheduling issue rather than a procurement price hold-up; the parts are already procured but await fabrication and delivery.
Board members asked about projected energy savings from the envelope and mechanical upgrades and were told the district will evaluate savings over two to three years because changes include switching from oil to propane and adding insulation and new boilers—factors that require longitudinal data to estimate net savings reliably.
Administrators said some items removed from the renovation scope to control costs will be addressed through ongoing operating-budget planning so replacement and maintenance items do not accumulate into large one-time requests in the future.