School may be out for summer, but the hallways are as busy as ever at Donahue, McMahon, and Lawrence schools as new windows are installed there, along with other construction and maintenance projects now underway across the district. HPS Operations and Facilities staff are leading these projects in partnership with outside vendors selected to assist with the work following a bidding process.
All work will be completed before the start of the new school year. Quality inspections will ensure that every aspect of the improvements is up to code. For example, to assure weather proofing of windows, doors, and siding has been done correctly, each seal must be tested by professionals to confirm they are water-tight. Similarly, asbestos abatement sites must be swab tested and receive an all clear before the work is considered completed.
Here’s what’s happening, school by school:
Donahue School—all new energy-efficient windows and doors, new soffit and fascia (the metal siding that covers building overhangs), and asbestos abatement. The new windows are substantially more energy efficient and open at a safe angle to let fresh air in when the weather is appropriate. The windows are also shatter resistant and well sealed from the weather.
Lawrence School—new windows and updated playground. Because Lawrence is a historic building, the new energy-efficient windows are required to match a certain look to preserve the building’s facade. In addition to new classroom windows, the building’s obscured glass windows (the yellow, frosted windows that line stairwells and the gymnasium) will also be replaced with updated glass that maintains the building’s look while allowing more light in.
McMahon School—new windows and doors, new soffit and fascia, and replacing air conditioning units in many of the classrooms. The windows are similar to those being installed at Donahue. Crews are performing asbestos abatement and applying new weather sealing along the roof line.
Sullivan School—an upgraded basketball pavilion, which will make the school’s facilities more suitable for middle school students.
HHS Dean—a new boiler system. Crews have removed the old system and poured new concrete slabs in preparation for the arrival of the new boiler in coming weeks.