More on Buildings

Last night was the first of three meetings for Team 6's part of the Long-Range Plan process. The workshop described what Team 6 was tasked to do and the first part of what has been completed to this point. While there are still plans that are expected to be completed by next Wednesday's meeting, the architects reviewed the building plans for 4 schools: Oakwood, Webster Stanley, Green Meadow, and Lakeside. I have copies of the materials given to the BOE members and candidates from Bray and Assoc if anyone would like to see them.

Oakwood's building plans were explained and drawings shown. There will be a more secure entryway and more parking. The entry and exit for cars should be greatly improved. The east wing of the building will be demolished losing 10,000 sq ft. An addition will be added to the north and west sides of the building adding 43,900 sq ft. There will be 2 early childhood rooms, 8 Kindergarten rooms, 6 first grade rooms, 6 second grade and 6 third grade rooms. There will be one 2/3 room. Remember that Oakwood will not be a SAGE school so there will be about 20-22 or more children per classroom with the exception of Kindergarten and Early Childhood. The building plans show separate music and art rooms and separate cafeteria and gymnasium. These are just plans and are not guaranteed. Discussions are ongoing as to if certain perks are realistic due to the cost. For example, it may not be financially possible to have separate gyms and cafeterias in all buildings. The total cost of the renovations to Oakwood would be $9,000,000.00.

Green Meadow and Lakeside were also evaluated though the decision has not been made as to which school will be kept or if either will be kept. There is still a chance we could lose both southside schools. As for the plans, Green Meadow's show an expansion of 20,620 sq ft. There would be two sections of each grade K-3. The expansion includes Kindergarten rooms with bathrooms, a gym/cafeteria combination, art and music rooms, along with several smaller offices, storage, etc spaces. The building would still be on well and septic. I suspect there has been little communication with the local municipalities as to when sewer might make it the last mile or so to the school. There will be additional parking and still leaves lots of green space on the property. The total cost of renovations comes to $4,590,000.00. Lakeside has two options that were explored. Option 1 shows 15,305 sq ft of new construction. There would be 2 sections of grades K-3. There is also a cafeteria and parking additions, and an elevator for the level that would lead to a music room. Option 2 demolishes 3,110 sq ft and adds on 16,250 sq ft. All rooms would be on the same level so no elevator would be necessary. The cost of option 1 is $4,275,000.00 and option 2 is $4,200,000.00.

Webster Stanley's plans show new construction totaling 10,596 sq ft. There would be a new chorus room, kitchen and cafeteria, and office. There is expected to be 6 sections of each grade in the 4-5 side. WS would house CD programs, SLD, and OT/PT relegated to the outer reaches of this vast building. I feel this goes against the goals of the special ed program and prevent efficient inclusion which benefits all students academically and socially. There will be additional parking and drop off and pick up is expected to improve with the new design. The cost of this plan would be $4,825,000.00.

Highlights of the remaining plans include:

1. Merrill with additional new construction totaling 6,150sq ft and renovations and new construction for grades 4-8. There would be 6 section of 4th and 5th grades. Apx cost would be $4,525,000.00.
   
2. Roosevelt will demolish 920 sq ft and add on 5,278 sq ft. There would be three sections of K to 3 in a non-SAGE school. The plans do not seem to include an elevator. The total cost estimate is $4,085,000.00. An interesting note is that there is a line item for clock upgrades at $13,500. If I am not mistaken, they just got new clocks throughout about a year ago.
   
3. E. Cook will demo 425 sq ft and add 43,550 sq ft of new construction. There will be 6 sections of each grade K-3. Apx cost is $8,525,000 sq ft.
   
4. Tipler will add 20,500 sq ft of new construction. There would be 4 sections of 4th and 5th grades. Total cost apx $6,150,000.00.
   
5. South Park will add 8,268 sq ft of new construction. There will be 4 section of grades 4th and 5th. Total cost apx $5,200,000.00.
   
6. Franklin will add 5,910 sq ft of new construction. There will be four sections of grades K-3 and one section of Early Childhood. Apx cost was $3,025,000.00.
   
7. Shaprio will add 6,250 sq ft of new construction in option 1 and 55,120 sq ft in option 2. Both options show 4 sections of grades K-3.
   
8. Read will add new construction totaling 5,003 sq ft and remove one metal building (existing library) totaling 2,403 sq ft. There would be 4 sections of grades K-3
   
9. Washington will add 5,534 sq ft of new construction. There would be 3 sections of grades K-3.
   

Is it just me or are we looking at more new construction than we are reducing by closing buildings? Looking at the square footage, we would be operating more building space than we are right now, most of it on the side of town where enrollment is declining. How is that efficient?

Whatever your opinion, please make it known. Agree or don't agree with this proposal, you need ot be heard.