GCSC begins tackling long list of repairs

Monday, October 15, 2012
Diagram shows where Tzouanakis roof problems currently are located.

By JARED JERNAGAN

Assistant Editor

The recent refinancing of bonds and upcoming issuance of new bonds has the Greencastle Community School Board looking at a laundry list of needed repairs to the corporation's buildings.

Given the financial state of public education in 2012, the ability to tackle repair projects is not a given. Being able to do it without raising taxes is even more difficult.

But the board viewed a priority list of projects for the corporation at the Wednesday, Oct. 10 monthly meeting, knowing the majority of the projects on the table can likely be accomplished in the coming years.

Board President Mike Dean again emphasized to the public that these projects are all tax neutral.

Of main concern to the board are the various leaky roofs. While the ongoing problems of the Deer Meadow roof are a recurring topic of conversation at GCSC meetings, it's not even the worst roof in the corporation.

Diagram shows where Greencastle High School roof problems currently are located.

The maintenance department has been battling ongoing leaks at Greencastle High School, McAnally Center and, worst of all, Tzouanakis Intermediate School.

Superintendent Dr. Lori Richmond presented the board with the results of studies done by Moisture Management LLC regarding the corporation roofs. Noting that the areas in diagrams highlighted in red are the worst, she presented GHS and McAnally, with both showing significant areas in need of replacement very soon.

Tzouanakis was presented to the sounds of audible moans, however, as the entire roof was highlighted in red. The roof has been described more than once as a sieve, with maintenance personnel and other Tzouanakis staff placing, dumping and replacing buckets to try and keep the inside of the school dry.

"Our maintenance crew has done a phenomenal job of trying to keep things together," Richmond said.

The other two buildings are in bad shape, but to a lesser extent, with approximately half the GHS roof is in need of replacement and the flat areas of the McAnally roof in need.

The roof is not the only part of Tzouanakis slated for attention. Floors have already been replaced in two of the building's pods, with two more set for replacement.

The intermediate school is also set for the installation of two new chillers, updates to its hallways and cafeteria and refurbishment of the restrooms and parking lot.

McAnally will also have work done inside. The basketball goals, which have been suspended from the gymnasium's ceiling since its 1969 construction, will be taken down this week.

Diagram shows where McAnally roof problems currently are located.

The supports of the goals have actually moved over the years, and school officials think it has become a safety concern.

An order has been placed for free-standing, portable goals for the gym. The project will also require approximately three rows to be taken out of the bleachers at the east and west end of the basketball court.

Another athletics project coming soon is the resurfacing of the GHS track. Officials hope the project can be completed in time for the spring season.

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