But while that’s good news, school principal Ken Chargualaf continues to press contractor International Bridge Corporation to fulfill its contract and finish building the school.
Chargualaf has kept a list since September which highlights and details unfinished projects, including some that do not meet regulatory standards.
Chargualaf said he routinely transmits a copy of his list to IBC president Robert Toelkes and vice president Miguel Bordallo. Chargualaf has had meetings with the two, who have promised the deficiencies and projects will be completed within a certain time frame. But that’s hardly the case, the JFK principal said.
Chargualaf’s frustration stems from the fact that when students, faculty and staff moved into the new campus in August, 10 classrooms were not ready for occupancy, forcing him to move teachers and students to other rooms to “make do” until IBC completed the classrooms.
Continuing problems with the unfinished gym has the principal questioning when students will be able to enjoy the facility.
Numerous excuses from IBC representatives are not enough to justify excuses, Chargualaf said.
DPHSS has already issued a citation because the exterior doors throughout the campus do not close properly or dangerously swing open, due to the safety mechanism connected to the doors requiring proper adjustment. The door mechanisms appear to be defective and IBC told school officials they have an issue with the vendor. This issue has yet to be resolved.
In addition, IBC has yet to complete the installation of the bathroom partitions in the boys’ and girls’ locker room restrooms, although the order was placed and the partitions are on-island.
