PHYSICAL ASSESSMENTS

Physical assessments have been completed on 90 school facilities owned by Knox County Schools. The assessment is an update of an existing study prepared by an architectural firm in the late 1990’s. PEFA outlined the structure and process using external consultants, stakeholders, and Infrastructure staff to develop the study. Seven consultants were responsible for coordinating evaluation results and ensuring consistency in reporting and methodology. The consultants that conducted the facility assessment included the following disciplines: architectural, electrical, structural, mechanical, civil, and general construction. The physical assessments were concluded October 2006. The intent of the evaluation is to provide a quick, accurate and consistent snapshot of the condition of existing components within the facilities. A five point rating system has been used:

0 - 2 Good to Fair

3 – 4 Significant

5 Critical

Not all components could be easily evaluated without disturbing the existing building and further investigation will be required during the renovation process.

PEFA has provided basic information, which will be used to develop a comprehensive school facility Infrastructure Management System. All data will be available in an electronic format, which will be deployed within the schools intranet information system. Ultimately, school staff will be responsible for updating the building condition information. The total cost of the facility evaluation was $120,000 or 1,300 per school.