Challenges:
On June 9, an arson fire caused $4.5 million damage to high school Classrooms and administrative offices in an Illinois school district building. The district administrators were uncertain how to plan for school for the fall. IMS representatives met with administrators in mid June to discuss potential modular building options. Shortly thereafter, IMS began working with the District’s architect to further discuss options. The site was inspected and the immediate needs of the district were determined.

Alternatives Reviewed:

1. Renovate the damaged building - not feasible due to the extent of the damage and time constraints.
2. Occupy available space in other buildings in town - not feasible due to location and type of space available.
3. Install numerous 1 or 2-Classroom modular buildings - not practical due to limited space on school grounds.
4. Install 1 large and 2 small modular buildings on the school grounds - the preferred Innovative Modular Solution.

Solution:
The District contracted with IMS in mid July to provide one building housing 7 Classrooms, an open area for lockers and an administrative office. Two other buildings housed science Classrooms, home economics Classrooms, and a teacher’s resource center. Delivery of the modular components started on July 31, and installation began
immediately. All three buildings were fully furnished and operational by the first day of school in late August. Benefits of this solution are as follows:

• Students remain on campus and have access to facilities (gymnasium and cafeteria) in the undamaged portions  of the main building.
• Renovation of the school occurred without disruption to school activities.
• Cost effective and energy efficient modular buildings were installed prior to the start of the new school year.
• Modular buildings fit in available space on school grounds.

Quotes in the News

June 11, 2002 (Superintendent
of Schools) “It’s just going to take time,” he said, wondering how the district could place 12 portable Classrooms in the mainly residential area. “I don’t know how we could do that in a small town like this.”

June 21, 2002 “High school principal assured students and parents Thursday at the Lexington school board meeting that ‘we won’t just survive this year, we will flourish.’”

August 29, 2002 “One advantage to the modular buildings is air conditioning. During orientation, the Principal said the school won’t have to cancel Classroomes this year because of heat days.”

March 1, 2003 “I’m very pleased with how the year has gone.” (Superintendent of Schools). “The kids and teachers have adapted quite well. The buildings have held up well and life goes on.”