Army helps construct new DC school facility

ARNEWS ^

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Army News Service, Feb. 28, 2006) -- A new multicultural center with wireless Internet in 150 classrooms opened last week at Lincoln Middle School in Washington, D.C., thanks to assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Since 1998, the Corps of Engineers has been assisting the District of Columbia with efforts to renovate and modernize schools. Early in 1998, faced with a critical facilities situation and the likelihood that schools would not open on time, DC Public Schools came to the Corps for assistance.

Under a memorandum of agreement signed in April 1998, the Corps can provide engineering, contract administration, construction quality assurance, facility management and environmental compliance services and technical assistance.

So far the Corps has partnered with DC to complete more than 1,000 projects, including school structural repairs, installation of new roofs and windows, replacement of old and failing heating and cooling systems, bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, interior renovation projects, lead and asbestos abatement projects and underground storage tank removals.

The new Bell Lincoln Multicultural Center features 150 classrooms equipped with cable television, multiple computer labs and fully-equipped language and translation labs. The televisions in each classroom are plugged into the Public Schools’ educational closed-circuit system to provide not only local and international news, but also televideo educational sessions.

“This kind of learning environment will give students a better opportunity to succeed in the future,” said Lydia Blazquez, principal of Lincoln Middle School.

The campus also features vanguard technology and architectural designs that place it at the forefront of innovative learning techniques. Highlights include a top-of-the-line wireless communication system accessible in every classroom and office, the latest in scientific learning and research laboratories, daycare centers, dance studios, athletic facilities, a cosmetology center and an underground parking garage.

“Throughout his tenure with DCPS, Superintendent Dr. Clifford B. Janey has fostered an environment of collaboration,” said Cornell Brown Jr., executive director of the Office of Facilities Management for DC Public Schools.

The project delivery team included members of the community, the school’s staff, the designers, the builders, DCPS Office of Facilities Management staff, other District of Columbia government officials and the Corps, according to Mike Rogers, the Corps’ DC Programs Office program manager.

“A prime factor in the success of this project is the teaming environment that was established very early on,” said Manal Ezzat, project manager for the Bell Lincoln Multicultural Center.

Rogers agreed that close cooperation among agencies contributed to the project’s success.

“This collaborative team provided an opportunity for all partners to contribute to the project, instilled a sense of ownership, motivation and encouragement among the team and provided a mechanism for timely decision making as the project unfolded,” said Rogers.

The facility replaces the original 98,000- square-foot Bell High School built in 1910, as well as the original 185,000-square-foot Lincoln Middle School built in 1967. Bell’s capacity was 579 students with a current enrollment of about 650, while Lincoln’s capacity was 1,290 students with a year 2000 enrollment of about 385.

Part of the funding for the school came from the efforts of the Multicultural Career Intern Program, a nonprofit affiliate of Bell High School.

“This project was a perfect opportunity to see the best in contractor selection and construction management through the Army Corps and vigilant oversight by DCPS’s superintendent and the Board of Education,” said Carol Stoel, chair of MCIP’s board of directors.

“This school is the result of the hard work of parents, the community, the Corps of Engineers and DCPS,” said Brown. “All parties involved should take pride in this state-of-the-art facility where our educators will help DCPS achieve success — one student at a time.”

Turkeva has great expectations for the new learning facility.

“These new halls of learning will produce leaders for generations to come,” Turkeva said.

The Bell Lincoln Multicultural Center is the 10th fully modernized and rebuilt school the Corps has completed and turned over to DC.

The Corps is also managing school modernization projects at Thomson Elementary School and Luke C. Moore High School. Thomson Elementary opened its doors to students Jan. 17, and Luke C. Moore is currently scheduled for occupancy in the fall.

(Editor's note: Information provided by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Affairs.)

[hdstmf]

What the heck is this? The Corps of Engineers has no such mission. The school systems of DC are among the nations worst. They spend more per student than any in the country and produce the lowest results. School facilities are a vandalized mess. I give these new/remodeled schools 6 months before they look like all the rest. Hey COE, get back to your real mission!

[GhostofWCooper]

I agree with hdstmf.
I'm sure some of the highest paid educational administrators in the country are in charge of the D.C. schools.. With the money at their disposal, I fail to see why the Army Corps of Engineers has to keep their roof repaired, and all that other idiocy. If they can't run a school district, fire them, and put someone competent in the position.

This is becoming sooo ridiculous.