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August 6, 2008

Construction update on Albert Hill Middle School steps

Anyone who’s driven by Albert Hill has seen the lengthy construction project take place on the front steps. A resident asked the Mayor if the renovations were for ADA compliance (via Richmond.com’s ask the Mayor)…

I live near Albert Hill Middle School in the near West End and noticed some construction at the front steps. Can I assume this is related to the school system making improvements for students and parents with disabilities?
Wilton Burford
Museum District

I wish I could say that is the case. The Richmond Public Schools has $7 million available for making improvements required by the Americans with Disability Act, yet has filed for only a handful of permits to initiate such work this summer. This is a school matter that City government has no control over, so I suggest you contact your School Board representative to find out the status of ADA improvements.

Is it just me, or did the Mayor dodge the question?

Kim Bridges (1st District Representative) followed up in the comments section…

The construction Mr. Burford noticed is part of the work RPS is doing to repair the crumbling but historic concrete balustrade at the front of the school. Last year the spanish tile roofing project was completed, and the PTA has plans for landscape improvements, so things are really looking up for overall appearance of this jewel of a building. But appearance does no good if the building’s not accessible, so Albert Hill will also receive interior ADA upgrades in the days ahead.

Posted by Sam @ 9:12 am |

 

4 Comments.

  1. The mayor is correct. The city government has no control or say in what RPS chooses to do or not to do. RPS is a very separate entity under it’s own administration. So yes, if you want schools ADA compliant then you need to speak to the superintendent and School Board members. By definition, the school superintendent is responsible for everything that occurs in the school system -everything from finances to high suspensions rates to ADA compliance. Check out Henrico schools website -they give an excellent list of the superintendent’s responsibilities http://webapps.henrico.k12.va.us/policy/chapter.asp .

    es @ August 6th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

  2. Don’t whine about how much money he’s wasted then try to pin it on him. You just asked the wrong person and he didn’t have an answer… not really surprising.

    Mrs. Bridges didn’t comment on it either really since she referenced **internal** ADA compliance…

    So how do they get INTO the school to take advantage of them?

    Brandon L @ August 11th, 2008 at 6:02 pm

  3. Talk about a case of misplaced/screwed up/ sickening prorities - they replace the balustrade, and last year the fancy tile roof, and they have plans for landscaping. What in the h— good does the appearance do if the kids or parents can’t get in or get around in the school!!!

    Jim @ August 13th, 2008 at 11:24 am

  4. Many people enter through the back of the building. There are handicap spaces in the back and doorbells on the back entrances that ring the main office. The secretary then remotely opens the doors. Once inside, the school has a ramp and a wheel chair lift that will give access to all areas of the building. Maybe there should be some signs that let people know this in the front of the building. It is a beautiful building and I am glad to see that the school system is maintaining it and making it more accessible to all children and community members. We have been there for school events and they have allowed many community organizations to use the building when needed. Richmond is to be commended for their efforts to make the school ADA compliant and more accessible.

    Pat @ October 10th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

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