Hillsborough County Public Schools Facilities
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 3, 2005
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Earl J. Lennard, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

SYMMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DEMOLITION AND RECONSTRUCTION
APPOINTMENT OF ARCHITECT AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Symmes Elementary School was designed and constructed by the team of Portela & Associates and Beers Construction Company, now owned by Skanska USA Building, Inc. Over the last four and one-half years, the school has experienced unusual cracking of the walls and floors. On October 20, 2003, the School Board entered into a tolling agreement with the architect, construction manager and geotechnical consultant. This agreement provided the parties with an opportunity to review the problems at the facility and work toward a resolution. Extensive investigations showed this to be due to subterranean clay materials. Testing is complete and it has been determined that Buildings 2 and 3 will need to be demolished and reconstructed. The scope of work includes a new classroom building and media center. The Frost Elementary School prototype design will be used for these replacement facilities.

Due to the length of this ongoing problem, we are recommending that the Board declare an emergency and appoint the following firms to provide the necessary design and construction services:
1. Cooper Johnson Smith Architects, Inc. at a fixed fee of $270,000.
2. Batson-Cook Company at a fixed fee of $180,000.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

Critical Success Factor 6.a.8 - Provide sufficient student stations to ensure uninterrupted student learning and data gathering as measured by District Operational Goals plan.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The construction budget is $4,500,000. This item is included in the District Capital Outlay: 2 Mill.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:

J. Thomas Blackwell
General Manager of Construction
(813) 272-4112
MaryEllen Elia
Chief Facilities Officer
(813) 272-4004
8.01C
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20050503_140 * Section E Item# 8.01C