For Immediate Release

Monday, Aug. 29, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Building Updates, Renovations Completed at Melrose Public Schools

MELROSE —  Superintendent Cyndy Taymore is pleased to announce that several projects, updates and renovations have been completed in buildings throughout the district in time for the start of the new school year tomorrow.

The Department of Public Works and the Office of Planning and Community Development oversaw all projects in conjunction with school officials.

“It has been a busy summer as we conducted necessary maintenance and improvements to our buildings,” Superintendent Taymore said. “Thank you to the DPW, the Office of Planning and Community Development and their staff for their continued dedication and commitment to these projects.”

Melrose High School:

The learning commons, guidance administrative office and makerspace (a multidisciplinary classroom outfitted with technology and a variety of tools and equipment and that provides students with the opportunity to design and build items that extend their learning) projects have been completed according to all applicable building codes and a final building inspection has taken place.

Hoover Elementary School:

Window and exterior door upgrades have been completed, according to all applicable building codes and a final building inspection has taken place. The project included a regulated asbestos abatement during the demolition of the existing windows.

Additional classroom space at Winthrop, Roosevelt and Lincoln elementary schools:

Additional classrooms were needed due to increased enrollment. At the Winthrop, Roosevelt and Lincoln schools, general education classrooms were created to meet the demand.

District-wide state regulated inspections and cleaning tests, coordinated by DPW:

• State elevator\inspections at all schools
• Kitchen grease traps and exhausts cleaned and inspected in addition to kitchen hood inspections
• Annual state boiler inspections and preventive maintenance and cleaning of all boilers
• Fire extinguisher annual inspections
• Fire alarm testing and fire sprinkler testing by DPW vendors in coordination with the Melrose Fire Department
• Science labs’ fume hoods, science lab service and the MHS photo lab
• Security alarm systems checked and repaired as required
• Emergency generator inspections
• A water filling station was added to the Horace Mann, Franklin Early Childhood Center, along with an additional two at the MHS campus. All schools buildings now have at least one filling station.
• Roof drains were inspected and cleaned if necessary
• HVAC maintenance

An expanded lead sampling program was coordinated between DPW’s Engineering and Facilities Divisions and the Melrose School Department:

DPW conducts lead sampling, working together with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, on a regular basis. As part of the city-wide testing program, the DPW, with the MWRA, completed lead sampling throughout our city’s schools.

DPW engineering offices have been working with both the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the MWRA at implementing additional sampling opportunities throughout the district.

In June, during the last week of school, a minimum of two samples were taken from drinking fixtures at all school buildings throughout the district. All samples tested below the lead standards with the exception of two at the Franklin ECC. Although two initial samples of the five fixtures used at the Franklin ECC tested above the threshold, as a follow up to these tests, “30 second flush samples” (taken after water is flushed through the fixture) passed all requirements at both of these locations.

Fixtures at the sample locations with elevated levels at the Franklin ECC have been removed. DPW will continue to test all buildings throughout the school year and will work with both the DEP and MWRA to ensure that the highest level of water quality continues to be attained in school buildings.

All buildings were thoroughly cleaned, including the washing of all windows, walls, flat surfaces and the following specialized items:

• Gym floors refinished
• School clocks and bells were re-programmed
• Emergency shower and eye wash stations were flushed and flow rates and signage were inspected

“All buildings are up to code and approved for the start of the school year,” DPW Superintendent John Scenna said. “We will regularly be on site at all campuses to ensure a smooth transition for students, faculty and staff.”

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