Wayland eNews :: What To Do About Falling Concrete at Wayland High School

March 26, 2007 – In the spring of 2006, a large chunk of concrete fell off a roof overhang at Wayland High School in a high traffic student area. It was the result of leaky roofs that are beyond their expected life. “The roofs are in immediate need of replacements,” says Patrick Morris, Facilities Manager. “Drainage issues exist and water damage has already occurred.” Short-term repairs were made, but should Wayland invest millions in new roofs for buildings that may be demolished in a few years?

“It’s a real dilemma for this town,“ says Heather Pineault, Chairman of the Wayland School Committee. “We have to balance the investment in repairs and maintenance with the development of a long term plan.” Ensuring safety in this deteriorating facility is becoming increasingly difficult, because problems will continue to occur until a more comprehensive solution can be found.

Historically, Wayland has been careful with its investment in facilities. While the High School buildings have been well maintained, portions are in disrepair and many components well beyond their expected lifespan. While the town works with the state to develop plans for modernizing the high school, outside agencies are taking many short-term decisions out of our hands. These include:

NEASC – In 2005, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation Committee expressed serious concerns related to the physical condition, overcrowding, lack of handicap accessibility and lack of health and safety code compliance. Their report said that “severe limitations of the current facility seriously impact teaching and learning.” If these problems are not substantially addressed in the next 5 years, Wayland High School could lose its accreditation.

OSHA – In October 2006, the State Division of Occupational Safety visited Wayland High School and identified roof leaks, water damaged materials and air quality concerns. While some repairs were made, similar problems exist in other parts of the facility.

DEP - In April 2002, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued a Notice of Noncompliance to WHS for illegal discharge of materials into the septic system. The school lacks the space and the systems to properly dispose of chemistry lab waste, photo-processing waste and art room waste. Temporary measures are now in use to store and dispose of these wastes using 35 gallon drums.

In addition, concerns have been raised by Special Education Officials regarding the school’s lack of handicapped accessibility and ADA non-compliance. Other reviews of the facility have identified issues with air quality, asbestos, mold, lack of sprinklers, and poor lighting. There is significant asbestos-containing material on site, some of which is covered with old carpeting and in an unknown condition. Electrical service and distribution equipment and wiring are obsolete and would not be able to handle additional loads from technology upgrades. Buildings do not meet current fire safety codes because they lack sprinkler systems.

These problems must be addressed. Wayland needs to identify cost-effective ways to address short-term issues, recognizing that these improvements will likely be “lost” when a longer-term solution is proposed.

Eric Sheffels is the Finance Committee appointee to the High School Building Committee and is President of Leggat McCall Properties, a real estate development and project management firm. He can be reached at eric.sheffels@lmp.com.

Articles in Series:

Bringing Wayland High School in the 21st Century
Wayland High School: News from the State
What to do about Falling Concrete at Wayland High School?

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