District Details
Below is a summary of the long-anticipated Facilities
Evaluation Report given to the
I think we are at a pretty significant crossroads in the history of MISD. The next year or so will be significant in terms of decisions we will make about our facilities. I look forward to working with you and folks in the community to come up with the best possible solutions to some very complicated issues for the district.
BOARD NOTES:
The MISD
Demographic Study
He used several models of population projections in his study. He found that in the last 14 years the historic population patterns have 8 years of growth and 6 years of decline, averaging a relatively stable student population. However, larger groups of students have recently entered the district, causing rebounding enrollment. He suggests modest to significant growth in the coming 10 years.
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Recent, modest increases in enrollment are primarily from larger groups of entering kindergarteners and first graders. This suggests modest to significant growth in the coming 10 years. If this trend repeats itself in the coming 5-10 years, this area will see relatively dramatic growth in the district. Based on five-, seven-, and ten-year Cohort Survival Ratios, enrollment could increase from the existing 1539 students to as many as 1792 students in the next 10 years.
Facility Evaluation
It will come as no surprise to anyone that Mr. Trautman “discovered” that MISD has old facilities. All four of our campuses were basically built between 1949 and 1965. The district has done a good job of extending the life of our facilities with maintenance and renovation projects over the years. With our changes and growth in student population and changes in instructional strategies, he is suggesting we take a close look at all of our facilities for their long-term usage.
Using a standard facility evaluation scoring instrument, all of the district’s campuses score in the range where complete renovation or replacement is needed. Some of the needs are the result of overcrowding (including recent growth); others relate to inadequacies and the deterioration that comes with age; and others relate to changes and growth in the scope of instructional support programs, in response to both regular program students and special student needs.
The district has fewer classrooms now than it had in the 1960’s. The district has “absorbed” classrooms over the years to use them for special programs mandated by the state. Technology instruction, special education resource rooms, smaller Advance Placement and Dual Credit classes, increased requirements for graduation, and increased requirements for science labs are just a few of these programs that have “absorbed” a number of classrooms over the years.
Years ago, teachers had a pencil sharpener and chalkboard in the classroom. Today, teachers have pencil sharpeners, overhead projectors, a computer for the teacher, computer stations for students, individual and group learning centers, as well as state-mandated requirements for smaller class sizes. In addition, the state requires even smaller, individualized instruction in some grade levels for students who are struggling.
About 70% of the district’s general classrooms are smaller
than the current
The cost of renovating a campus is generally about 50% of replacement value. This would include such things as a new roof, heating/AC systems, electrical systems, and plumbing. However, if classrooms have to be enlarged and brought up to state standards, that figure would increase to at least 85% of replacement cost.
The district has some immediate needs. The district must address the overcrowding needs at Dillman and DeShazo Elementary. We are currently using every available room and closet at Dillman. We have a class meeting on the gym stage at DeShazo. We must move immediately to provide temporary solutions to the district’s overcrowding for at least the next 4-5 years. The district is in the process of locating and securing portable buildings to temporarily satisfy this need.
The district should begin a planning process to first determine educational and program specifications for each campus. Mr. Trautman suggests that MISD create a Facilities Master Plan for its long-term use. The Facilities Master Plan should address the direction, the priorities, and likely needs 20 or more years out, with a specific plan for the next 10 years.
The Facilities Master Plan should address the use of all building sites before committing to specific construction solutions. It should address vehicular access with safe and convenient parking, as well as appropriate points of drop-off and pick-up for students.
If the needs resulting from aging buildings and systems are not addressed, they will soon become economically or educationally obsolete buildings. Even if the district’s enrollment were to revert to a declining pattern, the district needs to deal with both significant existing space needs and instructional program needs.
After spending a week in the district, Mr. Trautman praised the caring and quality faculty and staff of the district. He noted that MISD has a dedicated staff offering a good educational environment, even though the facilities, with few exceptions, now limit and handicap the instructional program.
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