By: Maeve Rice
During the summer, although the students were gone, work continued. This year, the Facilities Team worked along with R.J. Beischel Building Co., a construction company, to help create a new look for the school.
For Mr. Mike Orlando, Director of Facilities, this was one of his biggest projects of the year. He worked alongside President Mr. Bob Noll, principal Mr. Paul Romolo, and a construction team. “We were the three guys that were contacted whenever the guys needed something,” Orlando said.
The project was completed in partnership with architects who did a study about how the classrooms are used and “all the areas of opportunity for growth that we had,” Romolo said. The process started when former McNicholas President Dr. Denver Stanfield was still at McNick. One of his final plans before he left was to create a “facilities master plan.” This current plan includes a timeline for fundraising and school improvements over the next ten years.
Orlando said the process was rewarding in a sense. “I learned a lot; you think you know things but not like how those experts do,” he said.
These renovations included a new design of the Upper St. Joseph Hall, and a fully renovated classroom for math teacher Mr. Dan Rosenbaum. “We also prepared for future renovations by removing asbestos from the Lower St. Joseph Hall corridor,” Romolo added.
Funding the project was generously gifted by donors. “They [the Advancement Department] work to build those relationships and spread the good news,” Romolo said. The Advancement Department includes Noll; Mrs. Angela Kramer, Alumni and Parent Engagement Manager; Mr. John Jorden; Mrs. Tricia Conrad, Director of Advancement; and Mrs. Annette McHugh, Advancement Coordinator.
Romolo said, “We want to make sure were paying respect to tradition and do our best to preserve things that are worth preserving.”
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The McNicholas Milestone 