Delays in installing modulars

It's apparently not easy getting modular classrooms moved quickly, as the folks at Panther Creek High School in Cary can attest.

School administrators told the board this week that the projected completion date for installing 22 modular classrooms at Panther Creek is now Jan. 30. The original projected date had been Aug. 15.

Back in September, administrators said they hoped to have the units ready by Dec. 18.

Mike Burriss, who will soon be departing as assistant superintendent for facilities, told board members that municipalities are requiring more stringent reviews now before signing off on modulars.

Burriss contrasted it with how things are done in Mecklenburg County. He said modulars aren't considered to be permanent buildings there so the municipal review is less rigorous.

Don Haydon, chief facilities and operations officer, said town officials have told them they're willing to help but have to tow the town line on mobiles.

Board members said they'll communicate these concerns to municipal officials in hopes of speeding up the approval process for modulars.

Board member Lori Millberg said that it's getting so difficult to obtain permission to move modulars that they just might have to reassign students instead to reduce crowding.

Millberg added that at some point the cost of moving modulars and trailers is too much to avoid reassignment.

Click here for a handout listing the district's timeline for getting permission for moving modulars. It also shows the current status of modular relocation projects.