Roy Weaver is a construction manager for Bordeaux Construction and was one of the leaders of RMA’s new construction. Everyone at RMA who has come in contact with him and worked with him has grown to love and appreciate Mr. Weaver’s hard work and his kind personality. One of Mr. Weaver’s many thoughtful actions occurred at the beginning of the year. He was able to reassure teachers that if their students were interested in the construction project, he would create a safe path for them to walk through. May our RMA family join me in giving Mr. Weaver our warmest thank you and applause for our wonderful new buildings and all of his hard work. As students, faculty, staff, and parents, we are truly thankful for being able to step into our new buildings and into a new era for our school and hope that you will come back and visit.

On Tuesday, February 27th, RMA officially opened the new academic buildings. After speeches by Ms. Covolo, our Chairman of the Board, Bill Pruden, and Mayor David Combs, Mr. Weaver was honored for all of his hard work with a special gift basket given by Ms. Covolo as a way to show RMA’s gratitude for his service.

Questions and Answers: (from an in-person interview)

1. What other schools have you and your construction company built?

I have done more projects than I can count. With three children and six grandkids, I enjoy working with schools and having a role in making education safe and enjoyable for all students. One of the more interesting schools I have worked with was Durham Middle School in Durham. Whereas RMA’s building project was outside of the school, on the Durham project we had to work inside the middle of the school to complete the project. That was probably the most difficult, but interesting experiences in my career.

2. How many years have you been working in construction, and what is your favorite part?

I have worked for Bordeaux Construction for 31 years now. I love to start a new job, but my favorite part is at the end when I can look back and see all that we have accomplished and officially hand over the key to the school. At Bordeaux Construction, our priority is quality, so when we finish a job, I love looking back at the quality of the work.  The sense of accomplishment is a favorite part of my job.

3. What are your favorite parts of the new RMA building design and facilities?

As you know, the glass wall that used to be the outside of the Library is not straight but curved. This made the project even more interesting as I had never worked with a curved building before. Also, as many have probably noticed, the new building is incredibly close to the old Pre-K building. With only 12 inches of space between the two buildings, we had to work on top of the canopy of the original building as well as on the new building.

4. What has been the most difficult thing you faced during the RMA building project?

Well, under the Pre-K building was a water main, sewer main, and gas line; and moving the gas line cost us about four weeks on the schedule, however, we were still able to get everything done in time for the grand opening with lots of hard work and planning.

5. What has been the most memorable or positive thing about the RMA building project?

The most memorable thing would be working with staff at this school. Ms. Covolo is one of the most outstanding head of schools that I have ever met, and Bob Koselak, Joe Sparks, and Bill Pruden became close friends of mine. You just don’t get that kind of friendship and kindness at other job sites, and it was a true joy to work with nice people like them.

6. What is the building on the back side of campus going to be used for?

It is going to be a storage building mainly for equipment which Joe Sparks will be in charge of.

7. What advice would you give our RMA students for college and life?

When I grew up, it was all about hard work. Most people received a High School education, not a college one. In this day and time there is a real push for a college education, however, college may not be for everyone. I encourage students to chase their dreams and go after what they want to do. Life is too short to be miserable doing something you don’t like. Do what you want to do and enjoy every minute of it. But do whatever you choose to do with excellence.  That takes hard work.

8. What is your next building project?

Morrisville, North Carolina – near Raleigh, where we will be building an O2 Fitness Gym facility.

9. Will you promise to come back and visit RMA and our students and faculty?

Yes. I will be glad to come back. We take pride in our buildings, and if so much as a doorknob falls off, call me.  It would be my pleasure to come and help out in any way that I can.

10. Is there anything you would like to add or mention?

My motto is: treat people the way you want to be treated in life, school, and work. Don’t ever ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. Respect is earned.  Earn it and honor it.