Pipe problems still plaguing West Revere school complex

REVERE – The School Committee wants assurances that roof leaks and valve repairs in the 2-year-old West Revere school complex will be repaired before the school year begins on Aug. 26.The committee directed RF Walsh, the contractor that oversaw construction of the $38 million middle and elementary school, to work with roof contractor Capeway to seal roof leaks under the terms of the school warranty.If the roof repairs are not completed by the 26th, Superintendent Paul Dakin has the committee’s permission to seek price quotes for additional roof repairs and take action against Capeway for failing to meet its warranty obligations.Walsh is also working with another firm to flush out West Revere’s valve system and determine if additional valves need repairing.The West Revere follow up repairs are not the first undertaken since the school opened in August 2006. In February 2007, Dakin and the committee worked with RF Walsh to remedy the complex’ noisy air conditioning system.At the time Dakin said the air conditioning noise was among “numerous problems” with the heating system in the Anthony Middle School and the Whelan School.He told the committee warranties requiring Eastern Contractors, Inc. to repair the heating and ventilation system without cost to the city should be extended.Dakin is juggling ongoing repairs in West Revere with last minute work involved in finishing the Rumney Marsh Academy and details associated with building a new Paul Revere School.The Rumney work includes installing furniture and computer software including laptop and Music Midi stations. Music Midi is a computer synthesizer that allows students to compose and play music by simulating the sound of different instruments.City officials hope by October to select a contractor to build the new Paul Revere. The committee voted on July 29 to pay Suburban Middlesex Insulation of Norwood $96,700 to remove insulation from the existing school.It also voted to spend $23,500 for engineering related to excavating and laying the new school’s foundation. That work is scheduled to begin in the winter.