Dear Families,
I’m writing with a brief update on: construction of the new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) building; and the ambitious, although less visible, work now underway to relocate nearly all PHS staff at the end of this school year.
Construction Update
Over the next several weeks, there will be significant changes to the profile of the STEAM building. Contractors will install framing for the roof, and then scaffold and “shrink wrap†the entire structure to make it weather-proof. This plastic wrap will ensure that work inside the building can progress on schedule despite rain or wet conditions in February, March and April. Construction remains on schedule, with completion expected in August 2020, in time for the start of the 2020-21 school year.
This summer, as one team of contractors is completing the STEAM building, a second team will: empty the PHS Administration Building (the “10s†building); abate and remove any hazardous materials; demolish the building; and prepare the site for construction of the new Performing Arts Center/Alan Harvey Theater. Demolition of the 10s building will be completed before the start of the new school year.
Staff Relocations
With both the closure of the 10s building and opening of the STEAM building, nearly all PHS staff will relocate at the end of this school year. Specialized contractors will start preparing the 10s building for demolition almost immediately after the school year ends, so staff must be fully packed just a few days after the last school day (May 29). Similarly, as the STEAM building will be completed in early August, staff will have to unpack and set up their new classrooms and offices just a few days before the first school day (August 11). This is a tremendous amount of work in addition to the staff’s regular teaching and administrative duties.
Starting this week, staff are beginning the relocation process by going through their materials and equipment. Staff will be packing items to move on a rolling basis as materials are no longer needed for this school year. Despite this early start and long lead time, it is likely that both the end of this school year and the start of the next will be particularly hectic. For this reason, the typical requests that come to staff at the end and start of the year, such as requests for meetings, transcripts, and schedule changes, may take more time than usual to accommodate. Please be aware of the additional responsibilities and pressures on staff during this time and, to the extent possible, please make these requests with as much advance notice as possible.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we make critical facilities improvements. Also, I’d like to express my gratitude to the entire staff, for their tremendous work and dedication to make the coming transitions as seamless as possible.
If you have questions or comments, please contact me at rbooker@piedmont.k12.ca.us
Sincerely,
Randall Booker, Superintendent