As the Jamestown Public Schools District gears up for the upcoming school year in September, the Board of Education recently received an update on the various construction projects taking place within the district. Carl Pillittieri, the Director of Buildings and Grounds and Transportation for JPS, provided the board members with a comprehensive overview of the ongoing projects at three different school buildings: The Raymond J. Fashano Tech Academy, Milton J. Fletcher Elementary School, and Jamestown High School.
Pillittieri explained that all of the projects are being executed in multiple phases to ensure a smooth and efficient completion. This phased approach allows for a balanced workload and seamless transitions between different disciplines such as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. It also maximizes the time spent on the job and utilizes critical swing spaces within the buildings as the projects progress.
The first project discussed was at the Raymond J. Fashano Tech Academy, where work includes replacing windows, installing stairway railings, updating floors, fire alarm systems, HVAC systems, and furniture. Pillittieri assured the board that all spaces within the tech academy will be ready for the start of the school year.
At Milton J. Fletcher Elementary School, construction crews are replacing 75% of the school’s roof, steam boilers, unit ventilators, floors in various areas, rooftop units, and adding HVAC chillers and a backup generator. The renovation work also includes updating classrooms, corridors, and ceilings to ensure that all spaces will be available for the start of school.
Jamestown High School is undergoing significant renovations as well, with crews replacing 50% of the roof, renovating the second floor, Information Services Department, receiving and custodial areas, and making repairs to the auditorium and pool. The second-floor renovation involves demolishing and reconstructing classrooms, bathrooms, faculty rooms, installing new HVAC equipment, floors, ceilings, and lockers. Pillittieri outlined a timeline for completion of different areas within the high school, ensuring that essential spaces will be ready for the start of the school year.
In addition to the individual school projects, there is also a districtwide Information Technology project underway. This project involves recabling the district and is expected to be completed by the end of September. The district also plans on installing interactive whiteboards and upgrading sound devices in each classroom throughout the district.
Overall, the construction projects within the Jamestown Public Schools District are progressing well and are on track to be completed in time for the start of the new school year. The phased approach to the projects, along with careful planning and coordination, ensures that students and staff will have safe and updated facilities to return to in September.