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Operations update: roofs, HVAC, lighting and safety fixes on the docket for Grafton schools
Summary
Operations staff told the committee about completed and planned maintenance across the district, including repaired roof leaks, required eyewash stations after a Department of Labor finding, HVAC replacements, bids for auditorium work and window cleaning paid from rental fees.
District operations staff delivered a broad facilities update Wednesday, describing repairs completed over the summer and projects planned for the winter and next year.
Frank Rothwell summarized routine winterization tasks, vehicle and equipment inspections and targeted repairs. He said the Department of Labor conducted a surprise visit and cited the district for missing eyewash stations for a corrosive floor-stripping chemical; the district will install eyewash stations in custodial closets on each level as corrective action. "We did very well ... one of the things that they cited us on is ... the chemical ... is actually a corrosive chemical, and we're supposed to have eye wash stations," Rothwell said.
Rothwell listed several roof-leak repairs across schools (including North Grafton and the high school), an accessibility path completed at North Grafton, and patched concrete walkways to remove tripping hazards. He said GMS HVAC work with Trane is close to completion, and some rooftop units and boilers have been inspected and serviced.
At the high school, Rothwell said 22 roof leaks were addressed and that stadium lighting will switch to LED fixtures (bids to be issued). He reported the district will contract specialized companies for auditorium seat work and stadium-light installation; attempts to perform some auditorium seat work in-house were unsuccessful. He also noted frozen basketball-hoop motors and the decision to remove a wrestling frame because repair costs were too high.
To reduce recurring maintenance costs for high-use facilities, the district will pay for professional exterior window cleaning out of rental/use fees, Rothwell said. Millbury Street sidewalk puddling was solved with a French drain and crushed stone provided by the public works department to reduce winter slip risks.
No formal policy changes were made; the update provided a list of projects for upcoming capital planning and bidding.
