30 Shade Planning for America’s Schools Chapter 4 manufacturers. A local firm was ultimately selected, because using a local builder would reduce shipping and travel costs. To reduce costs, a single design was used for all schools, although each school determined the placement of its shade structure. The structures are 40-by-80 feet, roughly the size of a tennis court, and are constructed of metal with concrete floors. The designers had to consider the threat of strong winds associated with hurricanes or tornados, very real threats in Florida. As a result, a larger foundation was incorporated into the design to create uplift resistance in the event of a windstorm. Each structure approximately cost $60,000, which according to the director of facilities was considerably lower than it would have been if each building had been individually bid. Those schools that had begun fund-raising efforts for a shade structure were allowed to add that money to the school board’s budget, and make improvements to the original design, including a larger structure, if that was what the school wanted. Maintenance As the oldest of the buildings begin to age, some of the maintenance requirements are becoming more obvious. Most apparent is the need to paint the steel structures regularly to prevent premature rusting. Structures that need repainting must first be sandblasted to remove old paint and rust. In some cases, as more time passes, other maintenance issues will be identified. Recently, some of the schools have experienced problems with birds nesting in the metal framing that supports the roof. Modifications to the design of future buildings and to those already constructed may solve that problem. Continued Efforts Currently, 66 of the 82 elementary schools in Pinellas County have shade structures. The school district expects that all schools in the county will have these structures by 2007. This tremendous accomplishment is the result of the efforts of just a few concerned parents, teachers, and principals who recognized the importance of providing sun protection to their students, teachers, and staff. If you would like to find out more about the efforts to prevent skin cancer at Pinellas County Schools, feel free to contact: Walter Miller, Associate Superintendent, Institutional Services in Pinellas County Phone: (727) 547-7167 Jim Ewbank, Supervisor of Pre-K Physical Education Phone: (727) 588-6078
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