Transcript Introduction to the Facilities Modernization Program

Introduction to the
Rochester City School District
Facilities Modernization Program
Browncroft Neighborhood
Association
October 11, 2006
Needs and Opportunities
• Instructional facilities average 61 years of
age
• Sub-optimal for 21st Century teaching &
learning
• Inter- and Intra-District inequities
• Replacement value of facilities is $1.6 B
– Minimum recommended annual investment to
maintain status quo is $23.6 M
– Current annual investment is $22.5 M
Needs and Opportunities (continued)
• Inflation in construction greatly outpaces
general inflation
• Precedents in Buffalo and Syracuse
• NYS Education Department reimburses
districts up to 98% of allowable expenses
• NYSED reimbursement schedule follows
debt amortization schedule
Proposed Response
• Undertake a comprehensive
building modernization program
addressing all District instructional
facilities (while continuing ongoing “maintenance of effort”)
Critical Barriers
• Access to capital
– Rochester is a “dependent” school district
– State and local constraints on borrowing
– Use of cash is problematic
• Provision of “local share” funds
– Min. 2%, up to est. 20%
• “Swing space” to permit year-round
construction at selected sites
Solution
• Enabling State legislation
– Access to capital through alternative borrowing
channels
• COMIDA, DASNY, Municipal Bond Bank
– “Lock in” NYSED reimbursement rate
– State Aid intercept mechanism to guarantee bonds
• Bi-partisan sponsorship support from local
delegation
– Senator Robach
– Assemblyman Gantt
Current State
• Completed conceptual design and scoping
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“School of the Future” criteria developed and incorporated
Three 5-year phases
$823 Million
Informed by enrollment declines
• Updating cost estimates, schedules, sequencing
– $1.2 Billion (?)
• Enlisting community partners
• Introduce legislation Fall 2006 / January 2007
School of the Future Criteria
• Increase classroom sizes
• Improve Acoustics
• Improve Air Quality / Thermal
Environment
• Add Kitchens to Elementary
Schools
• Provide Dedicated Libraries,
Gyms, Cafeterias, and
Performance Spaces
• Add Pre-K Space
• Improve Site Safety / Traffic
Flow
• Add Community Use Space
• Increase Outdoor Site Size
• Eliminate Basement
Classrooms
• Improve Entry Areas
• Improve Athletic Facilities
• Increase Number of Health
Clinics
• Provide Teaching Centers
• Increase Daylighting
• Incorporate Sustainable
Design
Other Significant Elements
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Community / economic development catalyst
Communication & community engagement
Governing board
Program delivery model
– Program Manager requirement
• W/MBE and Affirmative Action
• Wicks Law exemption / Project Labor Agreement
• Hire / buy locally
– Apprenticeship programs