RCPS understands that construction can disrupt our students’ day to day routines. These disruptions can present themselves in the way of loss of internet, phone service, power, bathroom facilities and building access as well as the inconvenience of changing rooms, constant interruption due to noise, and loss of outdoor spaces. While we may be able to overcome these obstacles and keep the learning environment as stable and healthy as possible, we must evaluate every aspect of how the renovation could negatively impact our students.

RCPS has reviewed potential environmental hazards during this renovation period. We have been assured that safety is paramount with our architectural firm and we trust that if no other options were available, we would be able to move through the renovation without harm to our students and staff members. However, if given another option that would more positively affect our students’ and staffs’ health, productivity, performance and comfort during this renovation period, then we must consider it.

In addition to safety, equity for our students is also a priority. The original four year phasing plan would keep a population of our students from having access to a school building free of construction interruptions, room relocation and limited indoor and outdoor access for three to four years. We know that ongoing construction directly influences the occupants of the building. RCPS must consider the effects on students living in a building under construction for their first three to four school years. This period of time is critical to a child’s academic success and having access to an environment that is safe, clean and quiet most positively effects learning outcomes.

RCPS and Thompson & Litton have had many discussions concerning the best course to take to ensure student safety and academic well-being. An Executive Transition Committee, including representatives from our local fire and police departments, city officials, school officials, school board members, and our A&E firm, Thompson & Litton, have found that the best option to ensure the overall health of the school population is to relocate the students and staff of McHarg Elementary during the renovation/addition process. By doing this, and giving our contractors access to the entire McHarg campus, we can condense the renovation/addition timeline from four years to approximately 16 months. As mentioned earlier, this reduction of phasing would provide a safer, more equitable learning environment for all students while also significantly reducing the cost of the project throughout the construction process.

RCPS, Radford City officials and Thompson & Litton investigated many sites that could possibly house McHarg Elementary. Considering safety, square footage, location, and overall viability, as well as the survey results from both the community and faculty/staff of McHarg and Belle Heth, the decision to combine McHarg and Belle Heth schools on the Belle Heth Campus was made. RCPS and Thompson & Litton started evaluating the relocation of McHarg to Belle Heth immediately. In order to support both populations of students, modular units had to be considered and modular companies submitted estimates for RCPS to consider. RCPS feels that a unit including up to 12 classrooms would be sufficient. The faculty and community feel it would be best to house fifth and sixth grades in the modular unit(s). The modular unit(s) would be located on the front playground as close to the main building as possible and have all of the essential facility needs such as security resources, air conditioning, heat, water, electricity, bathrooms, internet, phone, etc. (See the pdf file below, Belle Heth grounds with Modular Site in Red). You may view the pictures below to have an idea of what the modular unit will look like.

Going forward we know there are a number of factors that need to be addressed to ensure a smooth and efficient transition in order to establish an effective elementary learning environment for 2020-2021. As always we appreciate our school community’s feedback and support. You are a valued partner in this process and we will work to keep you abreast of feedback opportunities and renovation/transition changes.