The Chatfield Elementary building, originally constructed in 1965, has exceeded its useful life. A comprehensive facility review highlights extensive structural, mechanical, and safety deficiencies that require both immediate attention and long-term investment. The scope of needed improvements totals over $12 million and addresses critical systems that directly impact the safety, functionality, and educational experience for students and staff.​

Below is a summary of the major issues:

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Critical Facility Issues

Mechanical & Infrastructure

• Replace rooftop HVAC Ductwork (14 years old and no longer reliable).

• Replace sections of disintegrated sewer drain lines.

• Address frequent failures of classroom sinks to drain properly.

• Replace leaking, outdated restroom plumbing (toilets, sinks, flanges, fixtures).

• Add hot water access to bathroom sinks.

• Install additional toilets to meet the needs of young students.

• Upgrade electrical systems:

  • Most classrooms have only three wall outlets.

  • Existing additions are externally mounted and not code-ideal.

Roofs

• Replace multiple sections of the roof in upcoming years.

• Address widespread water intrusion, some significant.

• Water leaks are directly linked to HVAC issues.

Boilers

• Replace both boilers; they are nearing end of service life.

Structural & Safety Concerns

• Repair failing tuck points causing water intrusion.

• Stop active roof leaks—buckets currently catch water during rainfall.

• Repave deteriorated main entrance bus loop.

• Replace or level sidewalks around the building.

Cabinetry & Finishes

• Replace original 1965 cabinetry with warped doors and broken shelves and drawers.

• Repair or replace crumbling wall tiles exposing structural voids.

Exterior Windows & Doors

• Replace 1994 addition windows (31 years old).

• Replace and reseal deteriorating exterior doors and frames—some original from 1967.

• Replace interior doors with delaminated surfaces and failing locksets—also original from 1967.

Lockers

• Replace all interior lockers; rusted, bent, and beyond repair.

Exterior Tuckpointing & Caulking

• Re-caulk and tuckpoint the entire building exterior.

• Only spot repairs were completed in 2010—full redo needed.

Safety & Security

• Redesign the main entrance to connect the office to a secure entry point.

• Improve visitor screening process—current buzz-in setup lacks ID verification.

• Replace outdated, non-reinforced glass in windows and doors.

Educational Functionality

• Does not have a functional gym space for physical education courses.  The space that is supposed to serve as a gym currently serves as breakfast/lunch space.

• Redesign traffic flow and transportation layout:

  • Severe congestion at drop-off/pick-up.

  • Site also serves as a transportation hub, compounding issues.

• Add infrastructure to support truck access for deliveries.

  • There is no loading dock for delivers