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| Columbia High School Students, Nampa, Idaho |
A facilities master plan helps school districts identify both urgent and long-term facilities needs in terms of maintenance, operations, replacement, consolidation, and even closure. It helps staff manage priorities proactively, rather than reactively, which is especially beneficial for districts with limited resources.
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| Vo-tech training is increasingly important in today’s education plans. |
The professional master planning consultant will begin with conversations with the District administration to establish an overall timeline and identify key participants (the Master Plan Team). The program includes four parts.
The consultant leads an initial workshop with all the participants to establish and clarify expectations, goals and objectives. This is followed by a comprehensive study including: land use assessment, infrastructure, building/facilities condition, transportation, demographic trends, facility utilization, energy performance, economics, and educational suitability. The results of the studies are analyzed and shared with the Master Plan Team.
Where applicable, the master plan will address: planning and design concepts; pedestrian and non-pedestrian circulation; recreation and open space; transit, circulation and parking; climate and environmental factors; design guidelines; and building and massing studies.
For each site the master plan will include a draft development plan, estimate of probable project costs and proposed project phasing.
The consultant will work with the district to refine the plan and develop exhibits. At this time, the Master Plan is published.
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| Today’s digital laboratories require specialized infrastructure and secured systems. |
§ Promote “best practice” recommendations, not mandates.
§ Coordinate facility activities throughout the organization.
§ Consider and account for changing educational needs and the impact to infrastructure.
§ Educate school and district administrators about facility operations.
§ Teach faculty and staff how they can help with facilities maintenance.
§ Consult with a professional architect or planner.
§ Commit to a team approach – School Board, District Administrators, Educators, Staff
§ Welcome multiple perspectives and engage multiple disciplines
§ Allow the process to take the necessary time