The guidelines described below provide an overview of the project priority selection process. These along with recommendations from the School Reform Commission (SRC), CEO, CAO, COO, Academic Area leaders, school principals, Construction and Facilities Services, Maintenance Department, and central administrators determine the priorities and content of the Capital Budget and Program. As enrollment continues to increases, in certain sections of the city, the need for additional classroom space continues to a priority.

Emergencies

Priority situations result due to fires, acts of nature, vandalism, undetected deterioration, misuse, general wear and tear and unsafe environmental conditions

Code Violations

Certain projects are included in the Budget as a result of citations issued by various state and local agencies that mandate compliance with current building codes.

Environmental Management and Services

Certain projects are the result of on-going air quality testing and/or complaints which require remedial action to maintain environmental standards established by federal, state and city agencies.

Roofs

Replacement projects are determined using the following criteria and the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the building envelope.

• Physical damage to the interior of buildings caused by the deteriorated roofing system
• Conditions that exceed the capacity of the Maintenance Department to repair and beyond deferred maintenance
• On-site inspections that reveal deteriorated cover material, flashing, down spouts and decking
• The age and composition of the existing roof.

Plumbing Alterations

Plumbing renovations are generally requested by the maintenance staff and priorities are established sing the following guidelines:

• Corrosion, deterioration and leaking that could cause major flooding and or result in insufficient water pressure and supply
• Conditions affecting the drinking water supply  

Heating, Ventilating/Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

Replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing systems are based on the recommendations of the Maintenance Department and subject to the following criteria:

• School closing due to boiler failure
• Age and general condition of the building
• The ability of the Maintenance Department to make repairs and beyond deferred maintenance
• Availability of replacement parts
• Energy efficiency

Budget details, on a programmatic level, and a listing of the individual schools included in the budgets can be found on the subsequent pages of this section.