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"Charter
School: Up & Running"
March 2002
by Doug Crawford |
Modular construction enables one school to meet it's charter deadlines
 Newark, one of Delaware's largest
cities, was in need of an educational alternative for middle school students.
There was no public middle school within a 10-mile radius of the Greater Newark
area.
In July 1999, a number of parents in the community came together and decided to
start a local charter school that would offer their children an education
combining scholarship, good citizenship, and creativity. To get doors open by
fall 2001, parents turned to a provider of modular and mobile space solutions
for a facility that would meet their immediate needs.
"They built and placed the modules, assembled the buildings, and handled
interior work," said Duke Pierson, one of the school founders. "Modular
construction gave us the opportunity to get the school up and running when no
other options were available."
Today, two modular buildings, situated on almost seven acres, serve as the
Newark Charter School.
Besides housing 435 students between the fifth and seventh grades, the school
offers a meeting space for community organizations. The facility also gives the
school's board of directors time to plan for and construct a larger, permanent
building.
From Charter to Construction
Charter schools are independently operated public schools that are free from
most regulations and constraints imposed at the state and local levels. Without
these restrictions, charter schools tend to operate more efficiently and
innovative, having a greater ability to quickly respond to students' needs. In
exchange for this increased freedom and flexibility, charter schools are held
accountable for achieving educational results.
In April 2000, the Newark parents obtained a charter to start a community
school. Although they lacked a corporate or school management company sponsor,
they were eligible for a federal grant to help with construction costs. Because
the charter required the school be running by August 2001, they needed to find
a location and building quickly or risk losing the school.
"We tried to use a permanent facility, but it was difficult to fund and get
support for conversion of an existing building due to zoning issues,
affordability and potential credit risk," said Pierson. "Modular construction
didn't require as much an outlay of work or modification. And it enabled us to
quickly open a school to meet the charter's deadlines."
After reviewing several bids from modular leasing companies, the parents chose
a modular building supplier to construct the school buildings.
"We looked at several modular school buildings," said Pierson, "including . . .
installations in Baltimore and Wilmington.
 The $ 1.2 million project consisted of
two factory-built buildings. Each building was approximately 68ft x 142ft
allowing for nine to ten classrooms, two offices, a teachers' lounge, a
reception area and restrooms. Together, the buildings offered 19,584 square
feet. In only 60 days, the brand-new structures were complete. They were
installed on the school's temporary site in time for the charter's August
deadline.
"Newark Charter School mirrors the floor plan of a typical school building with
classrooms off a long hallway," said Vince Alcarese, sales manager, major
projects, GE Capital Modular Space. "Because of its speed and flexibility,
modular construction is ideal for charter schools, especially since it is
pre-designed to meet state and local zoning requirements. It also can be less
expensive and time-consuming than conventional construction methods." GE
Capital Modular Space provided Newark Charter School with 24 modular units,
manufactured by Whitley Manufacturing.
The Modular Route
Modular building suppliers use the same materials for their buildings as
conventional construction companies do. The building process is the only
difference between the two methods--modular structures are built off-site in a
controlled manufacturing environment. Off-site modular fabrication and assembly
can reduce the cost of construction and accelerate the project schedule via
simultaneous site preparation. In addition, modular construction is versatile
and can be easily expanded, reduced or relocated to accommodate changing needs.
Traditional construction methods require that the structure be built on the
site it will eventually inhabit.
"Modular construction is the logical option for charter schools since most have
tight budgets and have to raise their own funds," said Greg Meece, director,
Newark Charter School. "The modules are working very well for us. They more
than met our expectations."
 Each classroom is approximately 23ft x 30ft. The
teachers' lounge serves as a versatile workroom and staff meeting area and is
equipped with a lavatory. Newark Charter School has space for a staff of 19
full-time teachers, a school director/principal, two guidance counselors, a
nurse, and three administrative assistants.
The buildings were shipped complete with attractive flooring, lighting, and
HVAC. White walls and tiles add to the brightness of the new buildings, making
it easy for teachers and students to decorate classrooms. The staff also
appreciates the nine-foot ceilings, which allow for large windows and natural
light. Several rooms, including the nurse's office, are carpeted.
"The teachers are happy with the space we have," said Meece. "Hanging student
papers is easier with the gypsum wallboard, so that's a big plus."
Newark Charter School also is fulfilling the community's needs by providing a
place for after-school activities such as music lessons and recitals, as well
as evening meetings of community groups such as the Boy Scouts.
"Everyone was excited about the school opening," said Pierson. "We've already
started the enrollment process for next year and plan to add a grade."
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