According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average age of public school buildings in the United States is between 40-44 years of age, with most schools becoming obsolete after age 60.

Gervais Elementary School was built in 1934, making it 89 years old and Gervais High School was built in 1963, making it 60 years old. The fact that these buildings continue to be operational and utilized for student learning at these extreme ages speaks to the care and maintenance we have provided over the years. The way we accomplished this was by using general funds and by selling off some of the district’s properties.

Gervais Middle School consists of modular classroom buildings with no common areas that were put in in 2013. With proper care, temporary modular buildings have a service life of at least 25 to 30 years, after which the components are typically repurposed or recycled.

Many of America’s schools may be at an age where frequent repairs are necessary. According to Ornstein (1994), when a school is 20 to 30 years old, frequent replacement of equipment is needed. Between 30 and 40 years old, the original equipment should have been replaced, including the roof and electrical equipment. After 40 years, a school building begins rapid deterioration, and after 60 years most schools are abandoned.

Gervais High School was founded in 1834. The current facility built in 1963 is over 60 years old and the elementary school built in 1934 is approaching 90 years old. This means the electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems are inefficient and out-of-date.

Gervais Middle School isn't really a school building. It is a prefabricated structure designed for young elementary school children, not growing adolescents. And while the structures cannot be considered an aging building, there are several issues that need to be fixed. To reduce crowding, classroom spaces need to be expanded and lockers removed from the hallways. The school was built to house classrooms and not common spaces, The middle school needs a new multipurpose building to house STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, performing arts and other important activities, as well as a cafeteria (students currently need to go to the high school for lunch, creating scheduling issues.) Like the other schools, the middle school also needs security upgrades.

The Gervais High School cafeteria is too small to accommodate all the high school students at one time, but because they have to share the cafeteria with the middle school, the high school is now required to have only one lunch period. Prior to having to share the cafeteria space, the high school could create a master schedule that would allow for two lunch periods. Because of the lack of space, many students sit on the floor to eat or to go to a classroom if the teacher is available during that time to unlock the room and supervise.

There are several reasons why a public school might choose to build new facilities instead of simply adding modular structures. Modular structures are typically considered temporary solutions, while new buildings are designed to last for many decades. This long-term perspective enables the school to be designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing campus architecture and layout. This ensures a cohesive environment for students, staff, and the community. New facilities can be custom-designed to meet the specific educational needs and requirements of the school. This includes specialized classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other spaces that may not be easily accommodated in modular structures. New construction allows for greater flexibility in designing spaces that can be adapted to changing educational methods and technologies. This can include features like flexible learning spaces, advanced technology infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems. New construction allows for the incorporation of the latest advancements in sustainable and energy-efficient building practices. This can lead to long-term cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

While modular structures can be a cost-effective and quick solution for addressing immediate capacity needs, they may not always provide the same level of long-term benefits and customization as new construction.

Building a school typically costs more than constructing a residential or small commercial building for a variety of reasons including:

• specialized design and functionality

• the size and scale of the building

• higher occupancy load

• regulatory compliance

• educational standards

• specialized accommodations, and

• safety requirements

Schools require specialized design features to meet educational needs. This includes:

• classrooms

• science labs

• libraries

• gymnasiums

• administrative offices

Each of these spaces must be carefully designed to support effective teaching and learning.

Schools are generally larger in terms of both square footage and overall scale compared to residential buildings. Schools have higher occupancy loads compared to residential buildings. This requires more extensive infrastructure, including fire safety systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and ventilation, to ensure the safety and well-being of a large number of people.

There are specific educational standards and regulations set by state and national educational authorities that school districts must comply with which can increase construction costs. This includes requirements for classroom size, accessibility, technology infrastructure, and safety features. School buildings must comply with local zoning codes, building permits, and adherence to educational facility standards.

In addition, schools often have specialized amenities like sports facilities, auditoriums, music rooms, and computer and science laboratories. These facilities require additional construction and maintenance costs. Schools may need extensive site preparation, including grading, utilities, parking lots, and outdoor play areas. This can be more complex and costly compared to the site requirements for a residential building. Schools must be designed to accommodate a diverse range of students, including those with disabilities. This may require additional features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Schools also require specific security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. This can include controlled access points, security systems, and emergency response protocols, which can add to construction costs.

Gervais Elementary School - Built in 1934. Remodeled and additions in and 1973, 1990 and the addition of Gervais Elementary Modulars - Constructed in 2013

Gervais Middle School Modulars - consisting of two prefabricated modular buildings, was constructed in 2013 as the district consolidated to provide a separate facility for 6th through 8th graders. It provides classrooms but no common areas.

Gervais High School - Built in 1963