PRINCETON -- The surgery to separate conjoined twins is, perhaps, the most complicated medical procedure doctors perform – especially when twins share one or more vital organs. In an unlikely comparison, that complicated process has been conducted this summer at Oakvale School. The old portion of the building –including the heating plant, water main, kitchen, and electrical panel—was demolished in June. For the remaining portion to open as a fully functional independent facility, engineers and construction crews had to make it viable in its own right.
Oakvale principal Ernie Adkins, who has been on site all summer, says that the coordination has been phenomenal. Less than eight weeks after the old building came down, the gymnasium wing has been sealed off, new power and water lines have been run, a state-of-the-art portable kitchen brought in, phone lines and Internet drops added, new exit doors and stairs constructed, smoke detectors and exit signs installed.
"Today, they are cutting the side access road," Adkins said above the noise of backhoes. "The progress has just been phenomenal."
Adkins gives lots of credit to Clerk of Works Tom Broyles. "Tom's expertise in commercial construction has been evident in the smooth coordination of a pretty massive effort," Adkins said. "Thanks to his leadership and everyone working together, we are right on target to open school."
Adkins says there is still plenty of cleaning and waxing to be done and, on Monday, several teachers were at work in their rooms. Teacher Katie Garrett said she "had a full day's work" in her room but seconded Adkins' assessment of the progress.
Secretary Sherry Pettry, working out of a temporary office on the gymnasium stage, was all smiles. Like Adkins and Garrett, Pettry said she was looking forward to moving into a new Oakvale School once construction is complete next year.
Below her, on the gym floor, cafeteria tables stood ready to be put in place. Below and behind the gym, existing classrooms have undergone minor renovations to comply with state fire marshal requirements.
"I promised this faculty that everything would be normal this year," Adkins said. "That meant that every teacher would have her own room, and if their old room had an air conditioner, their temporary room would have one."
Last fall, the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA) awarded the district a little more than $5 million to construct a new 23,000 foot building on the site of Oakvale School to house classrooms, media center, cafeteria, and offices. The new portion will adjoin the gymnasium/ classroom wing and occupy approximately the same footprint as the old building, but be set back about 60 feet from Goodwin's Chapel Road to allow for a parent drop-off loop and new bus drive.
Unlike the old school, the new building will be ADA compliant and have fire suppression. Designed for elementary students, the new school be sized, equipped, and wired for young 21stcentury learners.
Adkins says safety for the children will be tantamount from Day 1. "I will have procedures in place to guarantee that children are supervised at all times. Every teacher will do bus duty – not just one. Whenever children are outside, things will be very controlled and very organized."
The new Oakvale Elementary School is projected to open in August 2013 – an accelerated timetable that leaves little room for down time. "It is really amazing how coordinated this effort has been and how much has been accomplished since June," Adkins said. "They are on schedule, and we'll be ready for students on the 27th."
