BREMEN, Ga. — The Bremen Board of Education has approved a pair of measures aimed at modernizing heating and cooling systems in two school gymnasiums, committing more than a quarter-million dollars toward upgrades officials say will improve comfort and reliability for students and staff.
During its regular meeting Monday, the board voted to hire R.K. Redding Construction, Inc. as construction manager for HVAC improvements at the gymnasium facilities at Jones Elementary School and Bremen Middle School. The construction management contract carries a cost of $61,000.
In a related action, board members also approved the purchase of new HVAC equipment estimated at $215,000, bringing the total projected investment in the gymnasium climate-control upgrades to roughly $276,000.
Investment in school infrastructure
The project will focus on replacing or upgrading heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems that serve the athletic and assembly spaces in the two schools. Gymnasiums, which host athletics, physical education classes, assemblies and community events, typically require larger and more specialized HVAC systems than standard classrooms because of their size and capacity.
District officials said the upgrades are intended to ensure the facilities remain comfortable and operational year-round, particularly during athletic seasons and school functions that draw large crowds.
The improvements are expected to enhance temperature control and air circulation inside the buildings while reducing the risk of system failures during periods of heavy use.
Local construction firm selected
The board selected R.K. Redding Construction, Inc., a Bremen-based commercial construction and project management firm founded in 1991, to oversee the HVAC projects. The company provides construction management and contracting services across the Southeast and has worked on a variety of public and private projects.
As construction manager, the firm will coordinate scheduling, subcontractors and installation to ensure the equipment upgrades are completed according to district specifications.
District and community impact
The improvements will affect facilities within the Bremen City School District, a public school system serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Bremen, Georgia.
While the HVAC project is largely an infrastructure upgrade, it is expected to have practical impacts for students, athletes and spectators who use the gymnasiums for classes, practices and competitions throughout the school year.
School officials did not announce a timeline for installation but projects of this type are often scheduled during school breaks or off-hours to minimize disruption to daily operations.
Continued focus on facilities
The HVAC improvements are part of ongoing efforts by the Bremen Board of Education to maintain and upgrade school facilities as the district evaluates infrastructure needs across its campuses.
With the approval of construction management and equipment purchases, the district can now move forward with planning and installation of the new systems at Jones Elementary and Bremen Middle School.
