St. Michael School Renovation Project
Summer 2011
Thank you for your interest in the interior renovation of the “White School” building. We are excited about what this project will mean to the future of Catholic education in the Greenville area.
What Was Done?
Most of the work involved the interior of the building. The emphasis was on energy conservation and improved aesthetic appearances.
Floors: Most of the existing flooring was removed and replaced with ¾’ thick underlayment and new tile or carpet.
Walls: All walls were built out with new studs, insulated for noise abatement and faced with drywall.
Ceilings: Suspended ceilings were installed with insulation and recessed fluorescent fixtures in most of the rooms. Some of the hallways received sloping cathedral-style ceilings and hanging lights.
Windows: New vinyl windows were installed on the East and South sides of the building. The other windows were recently replaced.
Heating: The older central boiler system was replaced with six gas furnaces that will provide more even heat and be more efficient. Air conditioning was also installed.
Electrical: The entire building received new wiring and electrical service.
Restrooms: New surfaces and fixtures greatly improve the student restrooms.
What About Safety and Accessibility?
The new materials used on the walls, ceilings and doors meet the latest codes for fire resistance. A new fire detection and alarm system replaced the existing one that was over 50 years old. Doors on the classrooms now swing out into the hallway to facilitate emergency exiting. The updated restrooms meet the requirements for disabled persons.
Why Now?
The expenses of operating two separate buildings was proving to be too great a burden and closing the Margaret Brown School was chosen as a method to reduce those expenses. Housing all of the grades in the white school was going to require physical changes there and this was seen as an opportunity to upgrade the entire building, which will also lead to savings on utilities.
When Was it Completed?
School began one week later than scheduled to make sure the finishing touches were put together but was well worth the wait!
How Can You Help?
The cost for this renovation project is between $700 and $800 thousand. Your financial support is critical to make this effort a success without burdening the parish with debt. Please consider making a one-time donation or spreading your contribution out over a period of several years.
Naming Rights and Levels of Giving
Should you decide to make a donation, you may sponsor a room of your choice, and a plaque in that room will recognize you as the sponsor. For other donations, a giving tree display in the school will recognize donors according to the amount of their contribution.
Other Questions?
Should you have additional questions about this renovation project or about St. Michael School, in general, please contact the Principal, Miss Mary Jo Lipani at 724-588-7050.
Thank you again for helping to preserve the education of our youth
in the Catholic faith!