Buffalo Public Schools Program, Phase I

Rank #11
Cost: $172 million

Louis P. Ciminelli Management Company began construction on the largest capital improvement project the Buffalo Public School District has seen since the 1920s.

Over the life span of the program, nearly $1 billion in capital improvements are planned for more than 80 educational facilities. Phase I involves the extensive reconstruction of nine public schools and a district-wide telecommunications reconstruction project and energy performance contract. Phase I construction began in October 2003 with an anticipated completion date of April 2005.

Schools involved in Phase I are:

• PS 19 - Native American Magnet School
  
• PS 31 - Stanton Academy
  
• PS 38 - Frank Sedita Community School
  
• PS 66 - North Park Academy
  
• PS 67 - Discovery School
  
• PS 74- Hamlin Park Early Childhood Center & Academy
  
• PS 80 - Highgate Heights Elementary School
  
• PS 302 - Emerson Middle School
  
• PS 307

The telecommunications reconstruction project provides the schools with telephone equipment and telephones in all administrative offices and classrooms. The infrastructure for this equipment is also being installed.

The project involves improvements aimed at developing more efficient and precise delivery and maintenance systems. These improvements include lighting upgrades, temperature control systems, energy efficient motors, new steam traps, automatic pool covers and building exterior improvements.

The project uses the program management approach to achieve standardization of design and community planning. Over the last few years Ciminelli, the school district and city have engaged in a district-wide strategic planning effort analyzing current school facilities and establishing a plan to downsize inventory of facilities to match current and project enrollment while creating learning environments to meet modern needs. Ciminelli is also working with the city to help maximize economic development potential and implement financing techniques to provide revenue sources for the city's local share of the project.

To meet these goals, a number of initiatives have been established such as mandatory levels of minority and women-owned business participation, a diversity workforce inclusion agreement an Occupational Safety and Health Administration teaming agreement and the sponsorship of the Buffalo Building Trades Development Partnership. The partnership will be used as a training and feeder program for the construction industry to help supply the necessary workforce for the city in meeting the objectives of the program and for training to benefit workers of all ethnic backgrounds.

In the near future, Ciminelli plans to begin defining Phase II projects that involves the potential reconstruction of 13 schools at an estimated cost of $220 million. Some design work for Phase II has started with completed drawings and specifications planned for state education department approval in the summer or fall 2004.

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