While in-person classes are canceled because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Broadalbin-Perth is moving forward with construction on Phase 3 of its $39.7 million capital project. Specifically, the district will perform asbestos abatement in the parking lot wing of B-P Intermediate School starting April 7, and the district will break ground on the new pod of pre-K classrooms at the end of that wing.
The state education department has given Broadalbin-Perth permission to proceed with capital project construction, deeming the work “essential.”
“The state education department recognizes that delaying this work would inevitably result in higher construction costs for the district,” said Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson. “In 2016, when the voters approved this project, they set a spending limit that we cannot exceed. If costs rise, we would have to eliminate some parts of the project. Moving forward with construction allows us to safeguard our taxpayers’ investment in the schools and get the most bang for their buck, so to speak.”
According to the district’s construction management firm, LeChase, the personal protective equipment workers wear during the asbestos abatement process will also keep them from spreading the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). LeChase will make sure safety measures are in place to minimize the risk of spreading the virus among workers building the pre-K pod.
Tomlinson said that LeChase has guaranteed asbestos abatement and the state-mandated air quality testing will be completed before in-person classes are scheduled to resume Thursday, April 30, assuming Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn’t extend his order to close schools.
A groundbreaking ceremony that was originally scheduled for April 22 has been postponed; a new date will be announced when the event has been rescheduled.
Additional information about the capital project is available at the capital project page on the district website.