While SUSD struggles with its M&O Budget and considers how many teachers to fire, it simultaneously makes plans for more construction and expansion of schools. That seems insane at first, but is part of the bizarre world of school finance. SUSD has money to burn for new school buildings. The construction funds are, in fact, separate from the operating funds used to hire teachers. But here is the ugly part of that equation -- the buildings SUSD constructs dictate a large portion of how our future Operating funds will be spent. If SUSD builds more and larger schools, while losing more students, it commits the District to spending a larger portion of the operating budget every year for just admin staff and operating those buildings. That is precisely what happened for the last few years as schools like Saguaro were rebuilt with larger square footage as they simultaneously lost student enrollment. We strongly suggest that the single most important consideration in any future construction is this: Will the construction result in LOWERING the operating cost burdens on SUSD? If not, dont do the construction. Yes, schools need remodeling. Yes, some buildings need to be built. And, yes, SUSD has money burning a hole in its pocket to build them. But each and every project SUSD undertakes MUST immediately upon completion reduce the operating cost of SUSD. Smaller and more cost effective schools are needed - not bigger schools. If you build it they will come only works in movies. Our District needs to acknowledge that it has lost over 25% of the students in the District already and they are not coming back. The Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee that shapes SUSDs decisions on more construction issued these findings recently. This is what SUSD is thinking as it goes forward spending construction funding. Be very wary of the last few lines of this presentation that conclude some schools need more space and so forth. At a time SUSD should be considering closing some schools it is wildly inappropriate to simultaneously decide to build bigger schools. QUOTE: The needs of the schools reviewed are desperate Keep in mind that instruction should drive construction There is a correlation between facilities and academic achievement Right sizing is important part of the conversation Consider term of optimizing or flex-sizing“ Flexibility with space needed with the constant changes in technology Remember attachment community has to buildings (maintain character) Highlight SUSDs successful past bond experience and difference made Given the economy, a plan B needed as an alternative Result of last override bond election a concern Due to budget cuts, more critical need is passing override bond SCHOOLS WITH JUST RENOVATIONS OPTIONS Site access and security improvements needed Health and safety improvements important The need for indoor PE space is critical for Arizona Emphasize the sustainability of improvements SCHOOLS RENOVATIONS OR RE-BUILD OPTIONS Major infrastructure improvements require need to rebuild Re-configuration necessary due to some design flaws Can recoup costs by reducing maintenance Some schools need more space because of program/community needs Facility improvements will help keep SUSD competitive OTHER ITEMS School districts need a source of capital for maintenance of facilities Proposing a new high school & administration center not advised now Regarding the bio tech school, focus on a private sector partnership
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:37:21 +0000
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