Red Oak board of education talks long range facilities planning with O’Neal

The Red Oak School Board is weighing its options when it comes to the district’s long-range strategic facilities plan.
At the regular school board meeting March 15, the board heard from Alley Poyner Macchietto architect Daric O’Neal, who shared further recommendations with the board.
“We’ve taken information from the walkthroughs of the facilities in 2022, and put some 2023 budget numbers on them. The item numbers are listed by priority. Priority one is immediate, needing to be addressed in the next 12 months. Priority two is three to five years, priority three is six to 10 years, and priority four is long-term, around 10 to 15 years,” O’Neal explained.
 O’Neal outlined some of the necessary projects at Inman Primary, stating that because of the age of the building, the district was starting to reach a number of things that were reaching their end of life.
“Replacing the roof on the original Inman building has a budget median of $275,000. That needs to be a high-priority item within the next year. It’s the six-classroom section of the building. We did bring down a roofing consultant. On the portions of the building constructed in 1999 and after, you have a lifespan of about 10 more years,” O’Neal commented. “If you haven’t considered a roofing maintenance contract, that’s something you could consider in the future with a roofing company, and do inspections and make recommendations.”
O’Neal estimated that it would take less than two weeks for the entire roof replacement to be completed. Estimated cost of replacing the roof over the portions of the building constructed after 1999 was estimated at over $1 million, but as noted, wasn't an immediate priority if it was maintained.
Other items included caulking and sealing on the ballasted roof, and redistributing the ballast. Also on the building’s exterior, it was noted that the building control joints needed replacement within the next five years. The hollow metal doors were noted to have developed a significant amount of rust, and O’Neal said they would continue to deteriorate in the future, needing replacement in the next six to 10 years.
O'Neal also noted the building's fire alarm system in the next six to 10 years, as eventually, the cost of components to make repairs would overshadow the ost of a new system. The estimated cost was around between $250,000 and $300,000. Also, the recommendations noted new HVAC control, and a new HVAC system for the Inman building, though that item was not a high priority
“The HVAC system you have now is, by the book, at the end of its lifespan. However, the engineer’s report states it’s very well-maintained, and operating as efficiently as it was designed 20 years ago. With continued maintenance, you should be able to continue to get additional years of service, and individual units can be replaced,” O’Neal said.
At the junior/senior high school, O’Neal said there were a couple of roofing related suggestions, though they were not as prioritized as the roof at Inman.
“A number of walk-pads have popped loose. Those walk pads allow you to walk to the equipment to service it. Water is getting underneath those due to being popped loose. Also, the roof could use a good maintenance and repair of all the roof drains. Also, like Inman, the building control joints will also need eventual replacement, and the hollow metal doors are showing rust at this building as well,” O’Neal stated.
Also, O'Neal said within the next one to five years, crack seal and seal coating work would be needed on the high school's parking lots and circle drives.
Among the athletic facilities, O’Neal said within the next five years, something would need to be done with the track.
“The structural coat on the track will get you an additional five years. At the end of that time frame, you will want to have budgeted for a complete track resurface, and potentially the sub grades. Worst case scenario, the district will have to do a complete track and sub grade replacement,” explained O’Neal.
At the football and baseball fields, O’Neal noted there were some drainage issues that would need to be examined and potential paving to thoroughly a third of the gravel parking lot. Also it was noted that the sidewalk should be extended from the north parking lot to the outfield of the high school softball field, and extended to the bleachers and restrooms.
Board Member Kathy Walker said space issues were noted to the Inman Elementary cafeteria, and asked if an estimate could given for additional square footage. At the low end, O’Neal estimated the costs would be about $3.50 on the low end to $4.20 on the high end per square foot to add space to the cafeteria.
Board President Bret Blackman said that some of the projects on the list could be handled internally, rather than have to bid out for the projects.
“I think it makes sense to have Superintendent Lorenz and the maintenance team identify what could be done in-house, as opposed to work that will have to be bid out to other contractors,” Blackman said.
Lorenz advised he had already been in discussions with director of maintenance Adam Wenberg to outline those priorities. Shortening the period of summer school will help.
“This summer, we’re going to have a window to be able to get some painting and other projects done. We’re also going to schedule a meeting with the administrative team for their input on facility needs,” Lorenz advised.
No further action was taken by the board at the meeting.