“Phase 1” construction begins at CCS

Phase 1 of construction began this month at Charlotte Central School to repair age-related and other damage to the building’s exterior. The school will also undergo improvements to its ventilation system.

According to the school district’s website, the building’s deteriorating condition, which included water-damaged siding, inadequate insulation, and outdated mechanical systems, led to the school experiencing wild temperature swings and higher-than-normal heating bills.

The first phase of construction will involve renovating the facades of the central classroom wing and improving classroom ventilation. Compromised siding and insulation will also be removed and replaced, and thermally improved windows and doors will replace “inefficient” single-pane units.

“With the past year of the pandemic, improving ventilation is more important than ever,” read an announcement on the school’s website. “Currently, spaces lack adequate mechanical ventilation, often resulting in stale, stuffy, hot classrooms.”

The health of staff and students, and the students’ ability to learn, are also at risk due to the building’s poor condition, the announcement stated.

According to the website, after the building’s exterior is “made tight,” the school’s ventilation system will be improved to “code-minimum, dehumidified fresh air.”

Future phases of work will address mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection issues.

For more information about this project, visit the CVSDVT website.