Board Approves Architect for Autism Wing

GCS provided an update on 2008 school construction bond projects

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 3/3/2010 2:31:23 PM

The Guilford County Board of Education approved Efird Sutphin Pearce & Associates of Greensboro as the architect for an autism wing that is part of the 2008 school construction bond. Guilford County Schools is currently planning the construction of two facilities that will serve students most severely affected by autism.

The two autism wings will provide about 200 seats for students. The location of the wing to be designed by Efird Sutphin Pearce is not yet determined. The other wing will be located at Ragsdale High and is being designed by Moseley Architects. The Building Advisory Team for the autism wings is gathering input from parents, local organizations and the Exceptional Children department to make sure each detail is customized for students with special needs. Some customizations include wheelchair accessibility features, special lighting and safety features.

"A lot of work has gone into the customization of the facility, and I expect that when it is complete it will serve as a model for other facilities in the state," said Andy LaRowe, executive director for construction and facilities management.

Last week, the board also approved to use construction management at-risk as the method of delivery for the airport-area high school, another project included in the 2008 school construction bond.

Other projects around the district are continuing on schedule. The contractor continues overhead rough-ins, finish painting, window frames/glazing, ceramic tile and ceiling grid at Jamestown Middle. Work on the neighboring Meredith Leigh Haynes - Bennie Lee Inman Education Center also progresses as the contractor continues interior partitions, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough ins, and brick and exterior framing. Both Jamestown and Haynes-Inman are expected to open in August.

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