Carver Elementary Roof Repairs
St. Mary’s County Commissioners authorized St. Mary’s County Public Schools to move forward with a funding plan for nearly $1 million in roof repairs at George Washington Carver Elementary School.
The repairs are needed to address leaks and deterioration of the school’s roof, which was installed in 2006.
Kimberly Howe, director of capital planning for SMCPS, told commissioners that a typical roof has an expected life span of about 30 years. A full roof replacement would cost $6.5 million, according to Howe, while the proposed restoration is estimated to cost $978,996.
Howe said the restoration is the more cost-effective option and would also allow the school system to seek state emergency funding. The Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction, or IAC, will not provide state funding for a full roof replacement because the existing roof has not reached the end of its expected life span.
Commissioners' authorization allows SMCPS to submit an emergency funding request to the IAC for $538,817. The school system would provide the remaining $440,179 from its local capital improvement fund balance. The IAC is expected to consider the request at its Oct. 8 meeting. If the request is not approved, SMCPS would return to the County Commissioners to address the funding.
from SMCPS presentation
The roof damage is connected to solar panels that were installed at the school in 2011 as part of Project Sunburst, a Maryland Energy Administration initiative. The solar installation was supported by a $500,000 grant. The solar panels were installed under a 15-year contract with SunLight General Capital. That contract reached the end of its term this year, and the panels were subsequently removed.
According to Howe's presentation, the solar installation made routine roof maintenance more difficult. A site survey also determined that the solar panel mounting components were responsible for the leaks, water ponding and deterioration of the roof membrane and seams caused by excessive moisture.
from SMCPS presentation
The proposed roof restoration will include removing the remaining solar panel support components and damaged roof areas, installing new insulation and making other necessary repairs. The roof will then be coated and tested to ensure proper water drainage.
Howe said SMCPS is unlikely to consider installing solar panels at the school again. No other schools in the county currently have solar panels, according to the presentation.
If the IAC approves the emergency funding request, repair work is currently estimated to begin Oct. 19 and be completed Nov. 27.
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