To maintain effective learning environments during construction on occupied campuses, we phase out projects in great detail with particular consideration for space and safety. To serve the needs of each campus, transparency and open communication are paramount.
Some firms will outright tell program managers to ignore school faculty and “just get the job done.” That’s never been the PROCEDEO way.
Our approach is always rooted in transparency and respect.
We hold weekly one-on-one discussions with principals to update them about each phase of construction and listen to their needs.
We not only have years of experience ourselves, but we also choose industry partners, including contractors and architects, who have multiple years of experience dealing with construction while students and staff are occupying those spaces.
By bringing everything to the table, we develop thoughtful plans and resolve potential challenges together before they ever become issues.
“It’s a partnership.”
That philosophy guides our current work with Fort Worth ISD’s $750 Million Bond Program. We’re overseeing extensive renovations to 17 schools primarily built in the ‘60s, including but not limited to:
- Efficiency updates to mechanical systems
- Upgrades to fixtures
- Development of secure entrance vestibules
- STEM improvements
As with any project we manage, our goal is to implement a smooth process for each of the campuses involved, which requires thorough pre-planning and coordination to determine each construction phase and how our partners will execute it.
We recognize the importance of students and faculty having an environment where they can focus.
That starts with reducing the amount of time that construction crews work during the school day.
While pre-planning, we build out a phased schedule starting with work that crews can do during breaks in the school year and general hours when campus is closed, taking note of any special events we need to plan around.
Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically done outside of normal hours to ensure that those critical resources are available during the school day.
Because classrooms can take longer to complete, especially when many are slated for renovation, crews can’t necessarily complete them during off times.
So, we utilize strategies to decrease disruption, primarily identifying swing spaces, areas where classes can move as construction progresses – whether it’s portables or large existing spaces, like libraries, for landlocked schools.
Under the FWISD Bond Program, there are at least three phases per project and, for some, as many as 10.
We also take extensive measures to ensure that campuses with active job sites remain safe.
That requires containing the job site, an objective only heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We set up barriers to secure the area and put up wayfinding signage that reroutes people to alternative paths that remain open.
Our enhanced COVID safety protocols include temperature checks before entering the job site, mask requirements and a single point of access to keep workers from intermingling with students and staff in the hallway.
Through proactive measures and consistent communication, we’re able to maintain effective learning environments during construction.
