Freddie Howard
July 16, 2007
Murphy Candies, Jr.
July 18, 2007
Designed to withstand wind loads up to 140 mph, new impact-resistant windows are being installed in several Tri-parish area schools.
The replacement cycle will begin at Lacache Middle and Schriever Elementary schools in Terrebonne Parish and Golden Meadow and Lockport middle schools in Lafourche Parish.
The four schools were selected as the first to be outfitted with storm windows because of damage the schools sustained during the 2005 hurricane season. Eventually, all windows in Terrebonne and Lafourche public schools will be replaced with the stronger windows.
The windows were selected in part because they meet the new International Building Codes adopted statewide in April 2006.
“It was something that we had to do,” said school board member Don Duplantis. “The building codes required that we change the windows.”
Lafourche Physical Facilities Manager Evan Plaisance said the school system found itself in the same predicament as Terrebonne; the windows had to be replaced.
“Many of them were falling apart,” he said. “There’s no way the current windows would withstand 140 mph wind loads.”
The new storm windows have heavy-duty aluminum frames with impact-resistant laminated glass, according to PGT President and CEO Rod Hershberger, the company that created the impact windows. A special silicone glazing process helps keep the glass from breaking away from the frame.
The state Fire Marshal has certified the windows.
According to school officials, the thermal protection and impact resistant windows are stationary. Each building will be equipped with operating windows that will serve as escape routes.
Ira Davis, physical plant supervisor for Terrebonne Parish’s schools, said the district had to revamp its budget to pay for the upgraded windows.
Originally, officials estimated the cost of the windows at the two schools at $290,000. The lowest bid, however, was $450,000 for each school. The difference will be taken from the general fund, Davis said.
The low bid for window replacement at Golden Meadow Middle School was $149,500, and $125,900 for Lockport Middle School, Plaisance said. Monies from the school system’s construction fund will pay for the windows, he said.
Both school districts had intended to apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant monies to pay a portion of the price. Lafourche Parish, however, does not qualify, Plaisance said.
Jack Moore, the risk manager for Terrebonne Parish’s school system, is meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives to discuss the mitigation issues. Funding may still be available in Terrebonne, he said.
Impact-resistant windows are being installed at Lacache Middle (pictured) and Schriever Elementary schools in Terrebonne Parish and Golden Meadow and Lockport middle schools in Lafourche Parish. * Photo courtesy of LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
