US Department of Labor Joins Forces with Meja Construction Inc. to Guarantee Safety Of Forest Park Middle School Construction in Clayton County

School Construction
(Photo : Unsplash/Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa )

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and MEJA Construction Inc. have partnered to improve safety during the Forest Park Middle School building in Clayton County, Georgia. The partnership seeks to lower exposure to risks and prevent worker injuries. In addition to offering training and promoting safety and health initiatives, the initiative will concentrate on topics like hazard avoidance, personal protective equipment, and the prevention of heat illness. The construction project includes a 212,000-square-foot building, a 16,000-square-foot gym, and other facilities. OSHA collaborates with various partners through the  Strategic Partnership Program to enhance worker health and safety. 

Ground Breaking

MEJA Construction is thrilled to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Forest Park Middle School. MEJA's positive expectations and dedication to the construction project are reflected in this statement:

"MEJA is thrilled to join Clayton County Board of Education for the Groundbreaking of Forest Park Middle School." 

The Clayton County Board of Education recently approved a contract exceeding $92 million to construct the upcoming Forest Park Middle School. In a unanimous 5-0-3 decision, the board selected Meja Construction Inc., headquartered in Peachtree City, to undertake this significant project. The financing for the venture includes a substantial contribution of over $86.6 million from local Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds coupled with more than $5.5 million from the Georgia Department of Education.

Notably, Sabrina Hill, Dee Haney, Victoria Williams, Benjamin Straker, and Mary Baker were among the board members who supported the contract. Since Joy Tellis Cooper was conspicuously absent from the meeting, the current board members made this decision together. The board's commitment to improving the community's educational infrastructure and making sure that the building of Forest Park Middle School proceeds with the highest standards of efficiency and quality is reflected in this financial authorization.

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Concerns Expressed

Three board members abstained from voting because they wanted to increase the pool of potential contractors and were unsure about Meja's track record. Mark Christmas criticized Meja for abandoning unfinished punch list items for the school system to complete at a later date, saying the maintenance team shouldn't have to redo their work. Chairwoman Jessie Goree of the board declined to vote, citing a "lack of information," though she did not say what information was missing. Jasmine Bowles stated that a larger pool of contractors is required for construction to improve diversity.

Soon To Rise

With a total area of 228,513 square feet, the new three-story school can house 1200 students. Academic areas, administrative offices, a media center, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, a kitchen, and an athletic field are all included. The building is made of steel frames with masonry, curtain walls, and storefront windows, among other materials. Packaged rooftop HVAC units and a VRF system with solar panels integrated make up mechanical systems. All school areas will have the technology installed, and the roofing system will be a modified bitumen.

The new Forest Park Middle School will be located at 930 Finley Drive, Forest Park 30297, the old Forest Park Middle School site.

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