Fact Check: For the Record

Fact Check: For the Record
Posted on 03/25/2021
Fact Check: For the Record

There is a lot of misinformation circulating around the Pasadena ISD community regarding the construction of the new Administration Building.  


First and foremost, the idea for this building is the result of many years of planning. The Pasadena Independent School District Future Facilities and Planning Committee was created in 2011 to determine the needs of the district. The committee is comprised of district and community members and has done its due diligence to create a list of necessary projects based on the needs of the district as a whole. Before every bond election, the committee reconvenes to analyze the current need of the district and re-prioritize projects.


The Administration Building project has been prioritized after the 2011, 2014 and 2017 bonds but other projects were put at the forefront. 
Bond Construction Update Maintenance Projects


Pasadena ISD, known for its award-winning fiscal responsibility, has accumulated the funds for this project over the years and has earmarked those funds in the district’s fund balance.


The district will save the taxpayers money because we will not have to pay interest on bonds. For example: a 27 million dollar building amortized over 20 years would cost taxpayers an additional 14-20 million dollars in interest depending on the rate of the bonds. 


It is negligent to assume that the district has not weighed all options before making a decision on a new building. There are suggestions amongst a very small group in the community that we should remodel what we have.  


It is evident these individuals making those claims have never been involved in school construction or understand the processes involved.


First of all research must be done to understand the scope of work that a construction project entails.  The district has done so.


The scope of needs for the current administration building is:

  • New Foundation is needed
  • New Electrical Work is needed
  • New HVAC and ductwork is needed
  • New Plumbing is needed
  • New Fire Suppression System is needed
  • New Roof is needed

Click here to further understand the needs in detail:

https://www1.pasadenaisd.org/about/news/current_news/pasadena_isd_administration_building_long_overdue

Each of these needs comes attached with a cost.  While those making statements in the community and on social media claim that fixing the existing building would cost only $5 million dollars, they are mistaken and are misinforming the community.  


The district has evaluated the following options before coming to a conclusion as to what direction to go in with regards to the needs of the administration building.


Option 1 Knock down the existing building and rebuild


In theory this construction could be done all at once.  But what would it require?


It would require demolition costs, geotechnical soil studies, site surveying, site preparation cost.


It would require hiring an architecture firm to draw out new plans for the site.


But before construction could begin:

  • It would require relocating everyone so the construction could take place;
  • It would require office space to be rented or portable buildings purchased/leased;
  • It would require temporarily moving infrastructure such as phone systems and computer networking to temporary locations and then;
  • It would require moving everything back once the project is completed.

Option 2  Remodeling a little at a time


A feasibility study would have to be done to prioritize remodeling projects.


A schedule would need to be made to address these projects on a 5-10 year plan.


Extra funds would need to be set aside for any changes in scope for any unforeseen circumstances that happen once demolition begins.

  • New Foundation is needed
  • Electrical Work is needed
  • HVAC Work is needed
  • Plumbing is needed
  • Fire Suppression System is needed 
  • New Roof is needed

The cost of renovation is much more expensive than new construction. For example, just for the fire suppression system, new commercial property owners should expect to pay $1 to $2 per square foot, which includes both installation and equipment costs. However, owners of older buildings (such as the current Administration Building) shell out more to retrofit the property, typically $2 to $7 per square foot. By building new we save money.


Further, just like with knocking down the building and rebuilding, the district would incur these costs as well:

  • Remodeling would require relocating everyone so the construction could take place;
  • Remodeling would require office space to be rented or portable buildings purchased/leased; 
  • Remodeling would require temporarily moving infrastructure such as phone systems and computer networking to temporary locations and then;
  • Remodeling would require moving everything back once the project is completed.

Option 3 New Construction 

  • Acquire property - Already completed (Donated by community member)
  • Site Surveys and site work - already completed
  • Architecture plans and design of a new building - already completed

The board must hire a contractor and break ground on the project.


There would be a one time move expense.

No office space would need to be rented or portable buildings purchased.

Infrastructure for things such as phone systems and networking  can be built in and not relocated.


It is pretty evident that the District has performed its due diligence on the Administration Building Project.  It has included community stakeholders in determining a needs assessment, it has navigated a path that will cost the taxpayers the least amount of money and it offers a smooth cost efficient transition. For all practical purposes the district and the taxpayers save money.


If the district waits

The need for a new building will not go away. Construction and remodeling costs will continue to rise.  While there is no way to predict by how much, taxpayers will still end up footing the bill for a building that eventually must be built.


What would happen if awarded projects are “rescinded?”  

Once the School Board approves construction, the project is awarded.  The district has a contractual obligation to complete the project(s).  Rescinding an awarded project would result in lost revenues, lawsuits and payouts for damages.  That is not something we do as an award winning fiscally responsible school district.  


From our point of view

“This building should be replaced due to the complexities and quantity of maintenance needs and repairs.” - Tom Douglas - Director of Maintenance


“A new building would be ideal, I am continually taken away from other projects to fix and repair the floors due to water coming up through the foundation.” - Eddie Juarez - Flooring Installer


“My office has been flooded several times in the last 3 years, we have to constantly relocate our equipment so that it will not be damaged.”  - Rob Smith - Multimedia Specialist 

“There are several safety issues presented daily in the Special Programs department due to the deterioration of the facility. In certain offices, the doors (despite being shaved down several times) cannot fully close which results in safety concerns.   Additionally, there are many offices with large cracks in the walls and ceiling.  The walls have separated from the foundation creating deep crevices.  There are foundational shifts in the flooring creating unleveled hazardous surfaces.  In addition, there is poor air quality and circulation resulting in health concerns.” - Gloria Gallegos - Associate Superintendent for Special Programs

This information should offer a fair and unbiased perspective on how the New Administration Project came into fruition and what that the entire rationale has been to save the taxpayers money.
Pasadena ISD Administration Building
Pasadena ISD Administration Building
Pasadena ISD Administration Building
Pasadena ISD Administration Building
Pasadena ISD Administration Building
Pasadena ISD Administration Building
Pasadena ISD Administration Building