Greg Durrell of Durrell Design Group updated the Greenville Public School District Board of Trustees regarding the latest developments in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) projects that are currently underway as well as those impending.
Durrell serves as project manager for the ESSER I, II and III projects which collectively encompass HVAC, air purification, roofing and other infrastructural improvements to various GPSD campuses with Greenville High and T.L. Weston being key priorities for ESSER II.
“What we have is an ESSER II program and we’re currently under construction. With that ESSER II construction, it’s mainly centered around HVAC improvements and air purification. We have the target areas at Greenville High and T.L. Weston. Right now, Greenville High is the first priority because that work is dealing with the classroom wings,” said Durrell. “T.L. Weston is mainly reserved to the HVAC replacement in the corridors, so that work will get started this summer. That total amount we’ve bid and awarded has been $7,005,000 of the allotted $7,012,000 budget.”
The scope of work being performed at the Greenville High campus entails the selective demolition of existing mechanical systems and the installation of new systems with a focus on non-functioning units. Along with that is the placement of new and “efficient” ceilings, new LED lighting at impacted areas and paint improvements.
“So, those halls and those rooms on each classroom wing will be virtually improved,” Durrell highlighted, noting the work would create a disruption in the availability of classrooms.
In addition, the scope of work includes asbestos abatement “at scope of work limits” and air purification and ionization as the budget permits.
“At T.L. Weston, it’ll have kind of the same approach in that they’ll have a new mechanical system as part of this Phase I of T.L. Weston,” Durrell pointed out.
He clarified the Phase I work at both campuses Is mainly dealing with the non-functioning units, particularly rooftop units or those needed in assembly spaces such as auditoriums.
Work at T.L. Weston is anticipated to get underway this summer.
Sept. 30, 2023 is the estimated date for a “substantial” amount of the work to be completed.
Durrell also noted the remaining $7,600 of the budget will be obligated for looming projects to ensure those funds are utilized.
“With ESSER III, there’s about $24 million of available monies that we’re looking at spending. As part of the overview of ESSER III, we’ll be looking at HVAC improvements and we want to ensure that once the program is finished that all non-functioning units have been replaced,” Durrell said further. “Secondary emphasis is on the restrooms and air quality mitigation. That status is ongoing since we’re doing multiple projects, that schedule varies.”
Durrell added that architects and project managers are conducting weekly site visits and have been made aware of their expectation to provide field reports.
