Case Histories (Real-World Solutions)
Grand Valley School District Strikes the Right Chord
Grand Valley Local School District in Orwell, Ohio, has had nora premium rubber flooring in place for more than a decade. But it looks as new today as when it was installed.
When Grand Valley Local School District in Orwell, Ohio, initiated plans for the consolidation of several schools into a single K-12 facility more than a decade ago, one of the key areas of concern was a music classroom that doubled as a band room.
And for good reason—the area was busy both during and after school hours. The marching band was able to exit the room through exterior doors, tracking sleet, water, gravel, grass, and mud back into the building when they returned.
In fact, Paul Byler, the district’s director of Operations, Buildings and Grounds, says the room has “probably the most abused floor in the entire building.”
To address their durability concerns, the school district chose to use noraplan eco and norament grano throughout the 244,000-square-foot, multifaceted building. And the decision has been a sound one.
“They look as new today as they did when they were installed,” says District Superintendent William Nye.
Despite the dirt and grime that enters the room on a daily basis, “This floor clears up very well,” says Tim Carlson, Grand Valley’s band director.
And the maintenance regimen is a huge benefit. Deann Wendell, elementary custodian, says, “nora flooring has made it easier for us to maintain the floors.
The cleaner air is important to the music program as well. “The kids are able to breathe deeply while they play their instruments,” Carlson says. “It all adds up to a much richer experience.”
Superintendent Nye gives the cleaner air credit for improving the school’s attendance record. The school found that the right floor covering helps create an atmosphere that enhances the educational process.
www.nora.com/united-states/en/
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2018 issue of School Planning & Management.