The Planning and Engineering team from the Boston Public Schools did a mechanical upgrade at the Washington Irving School at a cost of $1,605,517. The scope of the work included new fan coils, air handling units, carpentry, DDC controls, electrical, insulation, valves, and steam traps. Attention to detail was paid to every aspect of the job. For example, century old chandeliers were modified, restored and upgraded with new lenses and energy efficient lighting components that maintained the architectural character of a bygone era on a budget.

[caption id="attachment_6644" align="alignright" width="640"]Jorge Vargas and other members of the P&E team inspect new vents installed on the roof of the Washington Irving School.[/caption]

Every dollar on the project went towards labor and materials since the BPS Planning and Engineering team did not hire an outside consulting firm. Contracting out could have increased the cost of the job by at least ten percent. In addition to the financial savings, all intellectual property of the job documentation, plans and specifications stay in the public domain.

The Irving School project members were: • Anthony Pomella, Mechanical Engineer (Manager, a former SEIU member), BPS • Steve Griffin, HVAC Chief for the Planning and Engineering Department, BPS, SEIU Local 888 • Jorge Vargas, HVAC Supervisor, Project Manager, BPS, SEIU Local 888 Executive Board • Kerri Thibeau, Electrical Supervisor, BPS, SEIU Local 888 • Robert Ridlon, Alterations and Repairs Supervisor, BPS, SEIU Local 888 Chapter Chair • Matthew R. Alberti, Mechanical Contractor, Enterprise Equipment

[caption id="attachment_6645" align="alignleft" width="300"]Restored chandeliers with upgraded lenses and energy efficient lighting components.[/caption]

In addition to construction projects, 32 Local 888 members in the Planning and Engineering department are engaged in the maintenance and operation of 125 BPS school buildings doing Alteration and Repairs, Architectural, Electrical, Environmental, Fire Alarm, HVAC, Plumbing and Roofing Divisions.

"We are an impressive group of individuals, yet given the nature of our work we pull together not as individuals but as graceful oars driving a powerful vessel in a straight path towards a beautiful port!" said Local 888 Executive Board member Jorge Vargas.