The former Newman Elementary School was closed in 2014.
Demolition of the former Newman Elementary School building and remediation of the site on Central Avenue is expected to be completed by late November.
The Mansfield City Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved a contract with OHM Advisors which calls for the Columbus architectural and engineering firm to oversee the project. The $30,000 initial contract includes $16,050 for OHM and $13,950 for Lawhon & Associates, a separate firm included by OHM because of its experience in determining the scope of asbestos abatement.
Dan Obrynba of OHM, who resides in Ontario, told the board the work can be completed in 17 weeks once contractors are selected after competitive bidding this summer. OHM estimates the cost of removing asbestos at $80,000 and demolition of the 44,000-square-foot building at $360,000.
In a letter accompanying OHM’s contract proposal, Obrynba said, “The building is to be completely removed, including foundations and below-grade utilities back to the right of way or other agreed-upon termination point. A Storm Water Protection Plan will be described. After demolition, the site will be graded to drain and restored to grass. Existing trees will be protected and retained.”
Obrynba said Tuesday asbestos abatement “probably will be half of the effort.”
“Contractors will salvage as much as possible to reduce their costs,” he told the board.
Newman was closed in the summer of 2014 as part of a financial recovery plan dictated by the district’s entry into state-declared fiscal emergency. Enrollment at the time of its closing was just over 200 in kindergarten through third grade. Third-graders moved on to Malabar Intermediate School while younger children were reassigned to Sherman and Prospect elementaries.