Taking a look inside this summer's Cranston school renovations

While students are able to sleep late, go to camp, head to the beach, and simply enjoy their summer vacations, the 96 employees in custodial group and the eight in trades of the plant department, under the direction of Ed Collins have been busy everyday getting the schools ready for the upcoming school year.

Barrows, Dutemple and Waterman elementary schools and Western Hills Middle School are all getting new fire alarm systems to meet code.

Stadium is getting a new fire alarm system and sprinkler system to meet code.

“Every building has a workable fire system in it, we are just upgrading the ones that need to be. We have been working with the Fire department on where they feel upgrades are necessary which is all in our CIP plan approved by RIDE,” Collins said.

Over at Hope Highlands they are getting a replacement of shingles on a sloped section of roof.

"Every summer we go through general cleaning, re-coating of wax on all floors and painting in all schools. The painting is an ongoing process where we do sections of the building every summer. We will probably do about 300 work orders which cover carpentry, plumbing, electrical and HVAC," said Collins.

PV has had some work done to it; new curtain new rug and Western Hills Middle School is getting a new sound system.

An issue that has been talked about on social media recently is the concern of mold in certain elementary schools.

“No mold abatement needed, not sure where all that is coming from but we have had numerous IAO [Indoor Air Quality] tests done in multiple schools and all results have come back in compliance. We have also had DOH [Department of Health] go through a few schools and they found nothing. When I say they are in compliance, I am saying all levels are acceptable,” said Collins.

Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse is pleased with all the hard work and progress that Collins and his crews have been doing.

“Right now, we are doing projects that focus on safety i.e. sprinklers and security systems. Our bonded projects address these types of critical issues,” Nota-Masse said. “The age of our buildings, the average of which is 63 years old, drives the needs of our projects. Our buildings, like many in the state have deficiencies that include major overhauls including HVAC systems. We prioritize projects each year for renovation based on our budget and necessity. 

“I am fortunate to have Mr. Ed Collins who is moving the district forward with quality workmanship and renovations,” she added.