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In today’s dynamic educational landscape, school administrators face numerous challenges in upgrading and maintaining their facilities. At Dunaway, we pride ourselves on coming to class prepared! Our team is ready with solutions to help you navigate common issues, such as project delays, ongoing maintenance needs, and budget limitations.

Economical Maintenance Solutions

The responsibility of continuous maintenance is an ongoing challenge for many districts. At Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, addressing design challenges with maintenance in mind is something our team was able to accomplish. Dunaway has provided civil engineering, planning + landscape architecture, and surveying services on nearly twenty different projects for the district.

As Megan Abernathy, PLA, ASLA, Discipline Lead for the Planning and Landscape Architecture team, recalls, “Each project and site had unique challenges, but one challenge that has been a constant on all the projects is the geotechnical report recommendations on requirements to drain water away from the proposed building foundations.”

Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD

The team took on the added challenge of incorporating low-water usage landscaping suitable for the arid Pecos climate, which receives only nine inches of rainfall annually. The team focused on drought-tolerant plants, alternative ground coverings like rocks and gravel, and strategically placed trees for shade to provide a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing landscape that will conserve water, reduce irrigation needs, and thrive in the local conditions.

“The use of the materials and methods has made the look of district buildings more cohesive, as well as adhering to the geotechnical challenges,” explains Abernathy. By incorporating an innovative design approach, the team was able to integrate solutions to address multiple challenges, ensuring a cohesive and efficient outcome that enhances project performance and sustainability.

Addressing Project Delays

Timely completion is critical for school construction projects, as unexpected delays can disrupt academic schedules and inconvenience students and faculty. At North Bend Elementary School in Humble ISD, Gavin Stephens, PE led Dunaway’s civil engineering team through unforeseen permitting challenges, demonstrating that adaptability and collaboration are essential to keeping projects on track. 

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North Bend Elementary School presented novel challenges to our team throughout the permitting process, but we were ultimately able to overcome those challenges through our adaptability, creativity, and perhaps most importantly, our persistent dedication to getting the job done.

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Gavin Stevens, PE, Project Engineer

Gavin explained, “North Bend Elementary School presented novel challenges to our team throughout the permitting process.” At the onset, the team pursued an annexation from the nearby Municipal Utility District (MUD) to gain utility access. While the MUD approved the request, it outlined several requirements in exchange for this access, including the construction of an ADA-compliant sidewalk to the neighboring subdivision. This addition prompted substantial modifications to the existing residential street.

Faced with the unexpected additional design and permitting requirements, the team showcased exceptional adaptability by splitting the project into two distinct permittable phases: onsite and offsite work. This strategic approach allowed the team to proceed with onsite permitting and construction without delay, ensuring that the school could open on time.

Dunaway’s commitment to delivering a high-quality educational facility within the tight timelines was significantly bolstered by respectful collaboration with all stakeholders. The partnership with Harris County was particularly instrumental, enabling Dunaway to secure approvals for onsite work far sooner than anticipated. “We were ultimately able to overcome those challenges through our adaptability, creativity, and most importantly, our persistent dedication to getting the job done.”

Navigating Budget Limitations

Pflugerville ISD, Bohl’s Middle School

Financial constraints are among the most significant challenges school districts face. Administrators must balance the need for modern facilities with limited budgets, making tough choices about features, materials, and technology. For Pflugerville ISD’s Bohl’s Middle School, highly expansive soils necessitated a structural slab over voids.

Our structural team evaluated several foundation options to identify the most economical solution. We based our cost estimates on the concrete and reinforcement tonnage needed, finding the most cost-effective options that ensure durability. Additionally, through our staffing program, the Project Manager identified local resources to assemble the best possible team for the project at a cost the district could afford.

Your Students, Your Schools: Set up for Success

Dunaway is proud to serve as a trusted partner providing multi-discipline services to school districts across Texas. Our commitment to supporting Texas schools runs deep. As a board member for Hays CISD Education Foundation, Business Development Director and Associate Principal, Roberta Salas said, “Schools are continuously faced with increased budgetary constraints. Our work goes beyond designing schools. I am incredibly fortunate to have Dunaway’s support. Together, we raise funds for several education foundations that provide teachers and students additional educational tools and resources.”

Dunaway empathizes with the immense responsibility school district leaders face when constructing and renovating aging educational facilities. Through innovative and efficient solutions, our multidisciplinary team of professionals can ensure that your school facilities are functional, projects are completed efficiently, and aligned with the vision for your school, students, and community.

Put us to the test! Reach out to Dunaway’s multidisciplinary team of A+ professionals below. We are eager to discuss how we can help you overcome project challenges.