Margaret Newton bathrooms found to have deteriorating cast‑iron piping; board to tour site before funding decision

A facilities briefing to the Lake County Schools board described deteriorating cast‑iron piping and accessibility issues in the Margaret Newton bathrooms, and staff asked board members to tour the site before considering a remodeling project.

Staff reported that two bids had been received previously and that a second firm, identified in the meeting as Kinstream Associates, inspected the bathrooms with maintenance staff member Lacey. The inspection found cast‑iron pipes in the older part of the building that have been chemically deteriorated where harsh chemicals were discharged down a mop sink. Staff described the condition as "a ticking time bomb" for the building’s plumbing infrastructure.

Officials told the board that, while the bathrooms should be made fully functional by the end of the coming weekend, the underlying piping and some stall configurations remain in disrepair and are not grandfathered for current ADA standards. Staff said replacing the cast‑iron piping and remodeling the stalls would require professional services and could trigger abatement in areas where wall materials contain hazardous substances.

Staff asked board members to schedule a site walkthrough to "put eyes on" the infrastructure and to decide whether to proceed with a formal scope of work. The board was told there are options: 1) recognize the need and fund the work from the district fund balance or 2) direct staff to seek external funding sources or grants. A preliminary cost figure for producing a scope of work was mentioned during discussion, but the amount was not clearly stated on the record in the transcript.

Board members agreed staff would send possible dates for walkthroughs. No formal vote or contract award was taken at the meeting; staff will return with scope and cost details for the board’s consideration.