Renovations Ensure Existing Classrooms Are Usable, Boost Academic Achievement

Not only would the upcoming bond allow the Wake County Public School System to add classroom seats and make existing ones healthy -- in essence, keeping them usable -- it could boost academic achievement.

The main purpose of the renovation projects is to correct critical heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system deficiencies in the schools and to ensure that they are safe, healthy, quality places for students to learn. The 13 major renovation projects included in the bond will also result in a gain of almost 2,100 classroom seats.

Most of the renovations are tied to indoor air quality issues. The list has been trimmed down from 40-plus projects based on the highest health and safety concerns. Most of the buildings included in the plan are 40-years-old and haven't had a major renovation.

Replacing poor HVAC systems decreases maintenance needs, increases the quality of life for students and staff, and improves achievement. A research report released in October 2006 found that "air quality and temperatures in classrooms are important factors in the learning process and improving them should be given as much priority as improving teaching materials and methods" (Effects of HVAC on Student Performance, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., www.ashrae.org, 2006.).

The report goes on to say "...this study provides strong evidence that improving indoor air quality in classrooms by increasing the outdoor air supply rate, and reducing moderately elevated classroom temperatures, can substantially improve the performance of a wide range of tasks characteristic of schoolwork...."

The campuses of the 13 schools slated for major renovations are 30-50 years old and renovations are being undertaken so the facilities can serve another 40 years.

Aversboro Elementary, 1965
Bugg Elementary, 1964
Lacy Elementary, 1953
Lynn Road Elementary, 1976
Poe Elementary, 1955
Root Elementary, 1958
Smith Elementary, 1964
Wilburn Elementary, 1962
East Millbrook Middle, 1975
Martin Middle, 1959
Cary High, 1958
East Wake High, 1965
Enloe High, 1962

For a description of each project, go to the Blueprint for Excellence 2006 resource center.

Posted by Kristin Flenniken at 4:59 PM on October 24, 2006 | Leave Feedback

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