School Repairs

The completed Sint Maarten school repair project has remediated 19 schools that needed critical repairs following Hurricane Irma. The project focused on restoring the resilience, sustainability and safety of educational facilities at the schools using funding from the Sint Maarten Trust Fund. The completion of operational repairs across the schools, as prioritized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, means that these places of learning are now watertight and more hurricane-resilient for the youth of St Maarten to flourish in.  

The technical assessment conducted in 2020 identified key areas in need of repair and remediation due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma. While the execution of works did uncover additional issues, it was not always possible to address concerns that fell outside the original scope of the project. 

Repairs at some schools included structural reinforcements, roof repairs, and electrical work. 

The scope of work included: 

• Mold & Asbestos Assessment and Remediation: Comprehensive assessment, removal, and remediation of mold and asbestos where necessary. 

• Hurricane Proofing: Installation of hurricane shutters and roof repairs and reinforcement to withstand severe weather conditions. 

• Electrical Work: Upgrading electrical systems to meet current safety standards. 

• Replacement of Windows and Doors: Where necessary, doors and windows were replaced to ensure the security and functionality of each school building. 

• Safety and Security: Installation of temporary fencing and security measures to protect students and staff during construction. 

Process and Implementation 

The repair works began in 2021 and were divided into three batches to manage the logistical challenges of relocating students and ensuring minimal disruption to their education. The selection and grouping of schools into these batches were coordinated with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (MECYS), prioritizing repairs based on urgency and how easily students could be temporarily relocated during construction. 

The first batch focused on the most critical cases and included Sister Regina Primary School, St. Joseph Primary School, and Leonald Conner Primary School, with repairs completed in the second half of 2021. Following this, a round of additional safety and security enhancements was initiated at Leonald Conner. 

Milton Peters College (MPC), St. Dominic High School, and Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC) Comprehensive Secondary Education made up the second batch. The repairs to these schools focused on making these large institutions more hurricane-resilient and structurally sound. The official handover ceremony symbolizing the completion of the three schools was in January. 

The final and largest batch included the remaining 13 schools. Due to the scale, the repairs were further subdivided into four smaller batches which were tackled sequentially, with each group taking approximately four months to complete. This phased approach allowed for the upgrading of facilities, ensuring that each school became a safer, more resilient environment for students and staff alike. 

Logistics and Relocation During Construction

Beyond repairs, various logistical needs also had to be managed. This included relocating classrooms, arranging transportation for students to temporary facilities or gyms, providing storage solutions, and ensuring on-site security during construction. 

To minimize the impact on students’ education, a comprehensive Education Logistics Plan was developed in collaboration with each school board and management team. The plan included the following strategies: 

• Full Relocation: Plans were made to temporarily relocate entire schools to alternative locations to continue in-person lessons. Based on the requirements of the inspection department the alternative facilities didn’t meet the criteria so no schools were fully relocated. 

• Partial Relocation: Some schools partially relocated, while students in unaffected areas continued classes while construction took place in other sections. 

• Support to E-learning: For some schools, a blended learning approach was implemented, combining in-person classes with online lessons. 

• Staggered approach: This method saw the school day split into two with students attending classes in either morning or afternoon sessions. Some schools adopted this approach during covid.  

These measures ensured that students continued to receive quality education with minimal interruptions, despite the extensive construction activities. 

Ongoing Support

The project team, including NRPB, project managers, and contractors, will continue to engage with the schools for six months post-completion to address any defects that may arise during the liability period. This ongoing support is part of our commitment to ensuring the long-term success and safety of the repairs.