Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 1, 1991                   TAG: 9103010815
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: EVENING  
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOL REPAIR COSTS UP

Richard Kelley, executive for business affairs for schools, said the School Board has kept City Council informed of the increase, which has gone from $8.6 million to $15.2 million.

Councilman James Harvey complained recently about the large increase in the renovation costs, saying he was puzzled and surprised that the price has nearly doubled.

But Kelley, in a report on council's agenda for Monday, said the board has kept council apprised of major changes through letters and the board's annual capital improvement plan.

Kelley said the original estimate of $8.6 million was based on a "preliminary general architectural review" of the schools. But the the costs have risen because the structural problems become apparent after in-depth architectural design work on the buildings, he said.

Harvey said he could not understand why the original estimate had increased so much. "We've done only three schools, and now we are being asked to borrow $2.5 million to do the fourth school," he said.

Harvey was on council in 1986 when the first estimate for the renovations was developed, but he was not on the governing body from 1988 to 1990.

At Harvey's request, council delayed action last month on the board's request to submit a loan application for $2.5 million from the state Literary Fund to finance improvements to Forest Park Elementary School. Council requested a report on the updated cost estimates.

Kelley will provide a detailed report to council Monday on the costs of renovations that have been completed at three schools and the costs for four yet to be done.

City Finance Director Joel Schlanger will recommend that council agree to allow the board to file for the state loan.

"It must be noted that this is just an application. When and if the application is approved, council will have to seriously review acceptance of the loan pending the financial condition of the city at that time," Schlanger said.

In 1986, school officials estimated it would cost $8.6 million to renovate Crystal Spring, Forest Park, Highland Park, Morningside, Oakland, Virginia Heights and Wasena schools.

Renovations at Highland Park and Oakland have been completed, and Crystal Spring is closed this year for improvements. The costs for the three schools has been $7.3 million. The four remaining schools are expected to cost $7.9 million to repair.

Renovation of Highland Park alone cost $1.2 million more than estimated because of asbestos removal, structural problems and the purchase of land to expand the parking lot.