When Norwin School District began plans for the new Hahntown Elementary School two years ago, tiny invertebrates found at the site delayed the onset of construction and added to the cost of the project.
At the same time, backlash from Hurricane Katrina changed the original estimate from $11,924,000 to $12,278,000. Other issues arose and added change orders, bringing the final cost estimate to $13.9 million.
Early last month, Superintendent Jack Boylan told the board the building would not be ready for students for the opening day of classes on Aug. 27. The district is planning to move the students into the new building Oct. 16 to coincide with an extended Columbus Day holiday weekend.
Last night, the school board learned the challenges at Hahntown are continuing as they questioned the integrity of split-face concrete blocks on the exterior of the building and other issues involving site drainage, flooring and placement of the baseball field.
Directors focused their concerns on the integrity of the concrete blocks because some metal pieces in the mix apparently were rusting.
Architect Hank Tkacik, of Axis Architecture, said the metal chunks were merely an aesthetic problem, not a structural issue. He said because the concrete is made up of materials derived from dredging in rivers and waterways, metals and other debris can become part of the mix. However, the metal usually is removed during the manufacturing process. Tkacik said only a few blocks were affected and the contractor is replacing the defective ones.
Director Becky Gediminskas voiced concern about the blocks. "I have concerns about the quality with these exposed pieces of steel and iron. I don't want this becoming 'the school that's rusting,' " she said.
Director Don Rhodes also was not sold on the integrity of the blocks. "These pieces are rusting, so when they rust away, we will eventually have holes in the concrete block. You are only removing the concrete blocks that we can see," he said.
Tkacik said the contractor will provide a lifetime guarantee for the blocks.
Building and Grounds Supervisor Patrick McManus said he has noticed some rusting of metal chunks in the split-face concrete blocks at the Sheridan Terrace and Sunset Valley elementary schools, as well.
Tkacik sought to assure directors the problem was not extreme.
Board President Bob Perkins maintained he was taking the matter seriously. "Let's not try to sugar-coat this," he told Tkacik.
On a related matter, board members agreed to spend $14,298 for security cameras for Hahntown, which would feature tilt, pan and zoom capabilities.
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