Administrative Center Remodel

Q: Will we need to make our building more accessible?

A: Currently, the front of the Administrative Center does not have an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant entrance. There is no ramp in the front of the building (and the ramp near the Conference Center is too steep to meet ADA requirements). This issue will need to be addressed in future phases of the project.

Q: Will I lose my personal space?

A: Staff members expressed a need to have regular, assigned working locations. The remodel will not only accommodate those personal working locations, but also provide new collaborative work spaces where brainstorming sessions and meetings can take place without disturbing those sitting at their assigned desks.

Q: Will climate control improvements be made as part of the construction?

A: Climate control improvements are not part of the Phase I remodel project, but improvements to the overall HVAC system in the building are scheduled to be improved in later construction phases.  

Q: Will the Conference Center rooms be affected by construction?

A: The Conference Center has not been included as part of Phase I. In the future, we minor infrastructure upgrades to the HVAC system will occur.

Q: Will there be hot water available for tea?

A: Yes. Berrien RESA will be purchasing a number of appliances to outfit the kitchen/break area.

Q: What kind of lighting will be provided?

A: One of the goals of Phase I of the remodel is to provide as many staff with access to natural light as possible. As such, the ceiling tiles will be removed in various areas to increase ceiling height, providing more natural lighting. To supplement that light, dimmable LED lighting will also be installed. (Lights will be dimmable by bank. Overhead lights in open spaces will not be individually controlled unless in a private meeting room or office area.)

Q: How will noise/sound be reduced throughout the lower level of the building?

A: The district will be installing a white noise system as part of the facility upgrades to reduce sound. Office furniture will also include "shrouds" that block noise as well as reduce distractions. The overall configuration of collaborative work spaces, office locations and individual work stations will be set up so that louder working environments are further away from focus-work areas. 

Q: How big are the shrouds?

A: The shrouds resemble half-circle partitions that create a sound barrier around a single work station. They still allow natural light as well as plenty of chair space for movement. According to a staff member who visited the furniture showroom, the shrouds "did not make you feel claustrophobic at all."

Q: Will key fobs still need to be used after the project is complete?

A: Yes. Staff will continue to use key fobs after the remodel is complete. 
(Note: Berrien RESA meets with local law enforcement annually to review our safety and security procedures. Building emergency plans are also developed in partnership with Berrien County public safety officials.)

Q: Will staff who are in the lower level now return to the lower level in the future?

A: Not necessarily. Currently, the Instructional Services team and members of the Early Childhood Education and Ancillary/Health Services Departments will be the first employees to be housed in the remodeled part of the building. As construction phases continue, staff may need to move a few times to accommodate remodeling needs. We don't anticipate staff settling in to their permanent homes until all phases of the construction are complete.

Q: Will staff be notified when they will need to have their desk area packed up?

A: Plenty of lead time will be given to staff who will need to relocate. Boxes and other packing materials will be provided. 

Q: Will I have to move more than once? 

A: Depending on construction needs, staff may be asked to move more than once. We appreciate everyone's flexibility throughout the process and will do our best to provide as much advance warning as possible.