SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - On-post schools throughout U.S. Army-Hawaii currently are being surveyed for facility improvements.
The contractor conducting the study, ALPHA Facilities Solutions, is looking at current conditions at Shafter, Solomon, Hale Kula and Wheeler elementary schools, and at Wheeler Middle School.
The ultimate goal is to identify potential resource options to renovate, expand or replace schools with the greatest need.
The contractor will analyze collected data and then send the findings to the school district for review, according to Kimberly Jones, program manager, ALPHA Facilities Solutions.
"Our roofing, electrical, intercom and bell systems are in urgent need of upgrades, especially in light of projected enrollment growth," said Robin Martin, principal, Shafter Elementary School.
Brenda Vierra-Chun, principal, Wheeler Middle School, is advocating for additional classrooms without sacrificing the programs that support military students, parents and the community.
"Our Tripler site team, transition center and Parent Community Networking Center utilize precious space on campus; we feel that these programs are essential," she said.
The facility survey is part of a condition assessment for 154 schools that are run by the local education authority on military installations throughout the U.S., according to Douglas Kelsey, school support specialist, Installation Management Command. The Department of Defense has tasked the Department of Defense Education Activity to assess schools for improvement.
Whether DOD will fund the replacement or renovation of all or any of the 154 buildings is yet to be determined. However, DoD can use the study to prioritize the conditions and determine which schools can be replaced or renovated, should funds become available.
U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii supports the facility assessment process, because improving the facilities will ultimately improve the learning environments for students.
Facilities Survey
To learn more about the facilities survey, call the USAG-HI School Liaison Office at 808-655-9818.
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