Albany County School District # 1 K-8 Capacity Study & Master Plan · 2015-01-19 · Albany County School District #1 enjoys successes in the education of its students that are the

Draft Report December 2014

Albany County School District # 1 K-8 Capacity Study & Master Plan

Wyoming School Facilities Department

Prepared by:

fpc Facilities Planning Collaborative, LLC


Albany County School District # 1 – K-8 Capacity Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 Facilities Addressed in the Study……………………………………………………………ES-1 1.1 Overview of Issues…………………………………………………………………………………ES-1 1.2 Calculated Capacities vs. Enrollments…………………………………………………….ES-1 1.3 Planning Scenarios…………………………………………………………………………………ES-2 1.4 Recommendation…………………………………………………………………………………..ES-2

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 What Is Included……………………………………………………………………………………1 2.1 How Was It Developed………………………………………………………………………….1 2.2 Data and Resources.……………………………………………………………………………..2 2.3 Unique District Conditions.……………………………………………………………………2 2.4 Study Criteria………………………………………………………………………………………..3

3.0 DISTRICT OVERVIEW

3.0 Building Inventory………………………………………………………………………………….4 3.1 Grade Configurations……………………………………………………………………………..4 3.2 District map……………………………………………………………………………………………4 3.3 K-5 Enrollment Projections..…………………………………………………………………..5 3.4 6-8 Enrollment Projections…………………………………………………………………….5 3.5 Enrollment Projections by School………………………………………………………..…6 3.6 Specific District Issues………………………………………………………………………….…7

4.0 CAPACITY ANALYSIS

4.0 Capacity Overview………………………………….……………………………………………...8 4.1 Individual School Analysis……………………………………………………………………..13

Beitel Elementary School……………………………………………………………………...13 Indian Paintbrush Elementary School…………………………………………………...15 Linford Elementary School…………………………………………………………………….17 Slade Elementary School……………………………………………………………………….19 Spring Creek Elementary School………………………………………………………..….21 Laramie Junior High School……………………………………………………………………23

4.2 Capacity Summary…………………………………………………………………………………25

5.0 OPTION IDENTIFICATION 5.0 Scenario A……………………………………………………………………………………………..26 5.1 Scenario B……………………………………………………………………………………………..28 5.2 Scenario C……………………………………………………………………………………………..29 5.3 Scenario D……………………………………………………………………………………………..30 5.4 Scenario E………………………………………………………………………………………………31 5.5 Scenario F ……………………………………………………………………………………………..32

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5.6 Summary of Scenarios…………………………………………………………………………...33 5.7 Scenario Evaluation……………………………………………………………………………..…34

6.0 OPTION ASSESSMENT

6.1 Assessment Criteria…………………………………………………………………………………35 6.2 Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………..36 6.3 Plan Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………..37 6.4 Option Assessment……………………………………………………………………………..…..39 6.4.1 Option 1………………………………………………………………………………………………..39 6.4.2 Option 2………………………………………………………………………………………………..42 6.4.3 Option 3………………………………………………………………………………………………..44 6.5 Evaluation (To Be Completed)

7.0 RECOMMENDATION (To Be Completed)

7.0 Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………….……. 7.1 Plan Definition…………………….……………………………………………………………..……. 7.2 Plan Implementation Summary…………………………………………………………….…. 7.3 Detailed Scope of Work………………………………………………………………………….…

8.0 APPENDIX (To Be Completed)

Meeting Minutes Building Programs Education Specifications Cost Budgets

TABLE OF CONTENTS fpc


Albany County School District # 1 – K-8 Capacity Study and Master Plan

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 Building Inventory. The following schools are included in this study:

• Beitel Elementary School K-5 • Indian Paintbrush Elementary School K-6 • Linford Elementary K-6 • Slade Elementary K-5 • Spring Creek Elementary K-5 • Laramie Junior High School 6-9

1.2 Specific District Issues.

• Rural schools are not viable options for alleviating capacity shortfall.

• Standard sized classrooms alone are not the best answer to accommodate the

pedagogy currently used in this district.

• The sixth grade academy now being used in the junior high has established a working framework for the expansion of this program and for an outline of the 9th grade academy in the high school.

• Enrollment in the elementary schools is reaching critical levels indicating that the shift to a K-5 configuration was advantageous but not enough for the projected growth in 2025.

• The period including 2014 and 2015 will require special accommodations for

overcrowding due to the shift to the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 configuration. The new high school will open up opportunities to accommodate students upon it completion in 2016.

• Classroom utilization ranges from 86% to 103%, averaging 94%, in the elementary schools and 124% in the junior high.

• At the current utilization and capacity there are 165 seats needed now at the

junior high and this increases to 321 seats needed in 2025.

• At the current utilization and capacity there are 99 seats in four schools available to accommodate future growth. This changes to 282 additional seats that are needed in 2025.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-1 fpc

• The sites for Slade and Beitel are undersized and the facility condition index (FCI) is high.

• Primary centers accommodating K-3 configurations is not an ideal configuration

for student and staff transitions to 4th grade.

• The original Thayer Elementary School which now accommodates Whiting Alternative High School and the District IT Department may need to be a part of the long term plan. This structure is the same vintage as Slade and Beitel schools and may be oversized.

• Two junior high schools were discussed in the preparation of this study and the

District administration felt that a two school configuration would be educationally difficult along with various operations concerns.

1.3 Capacity Overview.

The following table identifies the capacities as noted above. Based on the current enrollment numbers, the current utilization factors as well as the available seats for new students are shown. Slade ES is over capacity at this time by 10% while Beitel ES and Spring Creek ES are very close to capacity. The junior high is above capacity guidelines at the present time as well. Also shown are the projected enrollment numbers for 2024 and the subsequent available seats for students if no additional teaching spaces are made available. This analysis indicates that all schools in this study will be substantially over capacity by the end of this planning period.


1.4 Planning Scenarios

Six planning scenarios were developed and analyzed ranging from non-construction concepts to a variety of options dealing with new construction, renovation and additions. Through a detailed evaluation effort three were selected for more detailed analysis. These included:

Option 1 Expand Indian Paintbrush, replace Slade and Beitel on new sites and expand Laramie Junior High.

Option 2 Replace Slade and Beitel on new sites and construct a second junior high on a new site. Option 3 Expand Indian Paintbrush, replace Beitel and Slade on new sites and construct a new Laramie Junior High school.

1.5 Recommendation (To Be Completed)




2.0 INTRODUCTION For the last several decades, master plans have been the form for organized physical plant planning for school districts across the country. Master plans are not just created by schools but by any entity, public or private, that is interested in investing their capital funds wisely while addressing growth, maintenance and replacement concerns. Every master plan is composed of a variety of components and very few plans are exactly the same. For schools however there are at least two common issues: enrollment projections and school capacity. 2.1 What is included in this study and master plan? It begins with analyzing all the data that has been created and assembled by the District and the Wyoming School Facilities Department. A significant portion of this information includes detailed descriptions of each school and district building in the State of Wyoming and well as enrollment history and future trends in enrollment. By setting some standards, parameters and guidelines based on sound planning concepts and great educational practices this information can inform us about the proper physical size of a school, what the maximum number of students should be and when appropriate, recommend repair, renovation or new construction to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for children and staff. Conclusions and recommendations are found in this study which are arrived at by studying optional solutions. These options are evaluated using a set criteria that are relevant to the task which will narrow down the options for more detailed analysis. These options will range from non-construction concepts to renovation or replacement of school concepts. 2.2 How Will It Be Developed? The school planner will evaluate all the data and present ideas and concerns to the planning team. The planning team represents the district administration, teacher, parents and interested citizens who react to these ideas, present additional ideas and most importantly temper the direction of the idea development to best respond to the community values and needs. More specifically the approach will follow a course something like this:

Meeting #1. The kick-off meeting will be held at the School District. Participants will be representatives of the District, WSFD and the consultant.

Data collections will be accomplished by the planning team. Enrollment projections will be updated by WSFD. The planning team will prepare initial capacity studies for each school

identified for the study. INTRODUCTION 1 fpc

Meeting #2. Participants will be representatives of the District, WSFD and the planning team.

This meeting is designed to study the growth trends and overlay the school capacity calculations. From this exercise, the extent of the needs and timing of the needs will be evident. During this discussion some concepts for resolving issues will be discovered as well as any program delivery complications inherent with the option.

With this information the planning consultant will articulate each option and possibly create some alternatives within each option. Each option will be defined in terms of revised utilization, classrooms needed, the realized additional capacity of the schools being studied, school repairs required, new schools needed, etc.

Meeting #3. Participants will be representatives of the District, WSFD and the planning team. Options will be studied in depth to identify the best option for implementation during this planning period.

Option feasibility Option cost analysis Meeting #4. Participants will be representatives of the District, WSFD

and the planning team. Review the development of the chosen option. Prepare draft of the final option and the final opinion of the most cost

effective remedy. Finalize the Capacity Study and Master Plan. Present findings to the WSFC.

2.3 Data and Resources. A significant amount of the data required for the study is available in the WSFD AiM system. This information was collected in 2012 so some adjustments will be necessary. The information provided includes:

• Enrollment history and projections • Building capacity • Building floor plans • Physical plant information • Room utilization • Building condition assessment data.

This information will be vetted during the planning process. 2.4 Unique District Conditions. While there are common similarities in all school facilities in the State, each district has some unique programs and demographics which affect program space and curriculum. The unique conditions for Albany County School District #1 are: All schools in this district have the opportunity to accommodate student

teachers from the University of Wyoming. As a result classroom space is more restricted and teacher planning time is more critical. On the other hand more one-on-one time with a teacher is higher. In addition, fresh new ideas are very common in the classroom along with elevated levels of energy.

INTRODUCTION 2 fpc

Laramie is the seat of higher education in the State of Wyoming and yet one of the poorer areas of the State. The broad spectrum of student needs requires more flexibility and creativity to offer programs appropriate to student needs. In some cases this possibly requires more space and certainly the multiple uses of the same space.

Albany County School District #1 enjoys successes in the education of its students that are the envy of many public school districts. Creativity, trying new concepts, hard work and dedication are keys to this success. Accomplishing this often requires a different look as to the needs for teaching space, equipment and teachers willing to try new approaches.

2.5 Study Criteria. This study utilizes the data and parameters as follows:

• Enrollment history up to and including the 2013/2014 school year. • Utilization of the selected schools as reported in the AiM database from 2011

and 2012 building assessment program. Some adjustments have been made to this data when room assignments currently differ from the findings in the AiM data.

• Enrollment projections for the ten year period from 2014 to 2025 using the 10-year trailing data.

• The capacity analysis takes into account the capacities prepared by SFD and the updated calculation forms provided in this study.

• The scope of this study includes the in-town elementary schools and the junior high school only.

INTRODUCTION 3 fpc



3.0 DISTRICT OVERVIEW 3.1 Building Inventory. The following schools are included in this study:

• Beitel Elementary School K-5 • Indian Paintbrush Elementary School K-6 • Linford Elementary K-6 • Slade Elementary K-5 • Spring Creek Elementary K-5 • Laramie Junior High School 6-9

3.2 Grade Configurations. Based on earlier capacity studies the District has begun the conversion from a K-6, 7-9 and 10-12 configuration to a K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 configuration. As noted above this conversion is partially in place. A significant keystone to this conversion is the new high school which is currently under construction and it will house grades 9-12. This conversion was brought about by not only capacity issues in the elementary schools but the preferred association of grades of 6-8 and 9-12. The District has implemented a very successful 6th grade academy to facilitate this new configuration and is proposing to use a similar concept for the 9-12 grade association. The assumption of this study in that the direction of the study and the master plan is to fulfil this new configuration entirely within the schools in the city of Laramie. 3.3 District Map.

DISTRICT OVERVIEW 4 fpc

The schools that are subject of this study including the new high school are shown on this map. Also shown is the UW Lab School which is not included as well as rural schools and charter schools located within the City of Laramie. Below in paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 are the WSFD prepared enrollment projections for the years 2015 through 2025. The enrollment table shown in paragraph 3.6 is a more detailed projection to show each school that are included in this study. Table 3.4 indicates the history and growth projections of grade levels Kindergarten through 6th grade. The total line at the bottom however is for Kindergarten through 5th grade only. This total is used due to the shift in configuration in the District to a K-5 model for the elementary grades. Solutions to growth or replacement of schools will target the “Projected Enrollment Range” shown at the bottom of the table. In summary, the in-town elementary schools will need to accommodate an additional 463 students by the year 2025. 3.4. K-5 Enrollment History and Projections.

Table 3.5 provides the history and enrollment projects for Laramie Junior High School under the new configuration of 6th through 8th grades. In the transition of the elementary schools becoming a K-5 configuration, the junior high becomes 6-8 and the high school will be a 9th through 12th grade configuration. Again, the target solution will focus on an enrollment growth from 828 to 983 students as shown in the range indicated at the bottom of this table. 3.5. 6-8 Enrollment History and Projections


3.6. Enrollment Projections By School and Updates

The following table has been expanded to include each elementary school, the junior high school and updates that were found to be relevant at the time this study was prepared. This table indicates:

• All the elementary schools and the junior high are in transition until the new

high school is completed. During this phase certain schools will have a higher enrollment until the transition is complete.

• Upon completion of the high school in the fall of 2016 it is projected that 237 9th grade students from the junior high will be moved to the high school making the junior high a 6-8 configuration.

• At the same time the remaining 6th grade students in the K-6 schools will be moved to the junior high. This will open space in the elementary schools for 105 seats to accommodate K-5 needs using the WSFD enrollment projections.

• This table also shows a correction in the junior high projected enrollment due to the fact that the 2014 enrollment was 856 not the 711 as shown in the original projection table in paragraph 3.5. After the transition period in 2016 the projected enrollment of the 6-8 configuration is 820 students.

• One additional row of pertinent data has been added to this table which will affect the evaluation of the options for the District’s future development.

o At the time of this study additional housing is being developed directly to the west of Indian Paintbrush. The impact to the District’s in-town school enrollment is shown on the line titled “Local Development Growth”. Upon completion about 2012, it is estimated that an additional 75 students would be in the system by the year 2025.

• The colored cells in this table identifies at what point the projected enrollment meets or exceeds the school capacity. The next section of this study will explore this further.


3.7 Specific District Issues.

• Rural schools are not viable options for alleviating capacity shortfall.

• Standard sized classrooms alone are not the best answer to accommodate the

pedagogy currently used in this district.

• The sixth grade academy now being used in the junior high has established a working framework for the expansion of this program and for an outline of the 9th grade academy in the high school.

• Enrollment in the elementary schools is reaching critical levels indicating that the shift to a K-5 configuration was advantageous but not enough for the projected growth in 2025.

• The period including 2014 and 2015 will require special accommodations for

overcrowding due to the shift to the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 configuration. The new high school will open up opportunities to accommodate students upon its completion in 2016.

• Classroom utilization ranges from 86% to 103%, averaging 94%, in the elementary schools and 124% in the junior high.

• At the current utilization and capacity there are 165 seats needed now at the

junior high and this increases to 321 seats needed in 2025.

• At the current utilization and capacity there are 99 seats in four schools available to accommodate future growth. This changes to 282 additional seats that are needed in 2025.

• The sites for Slade and Beitel are undersized and the facility condition index (FCI) is high.

• Primary centers accommodating K-3 configurations is not an ideal configuration

for student and staff transitions to 4th grade.

• The original Thayer Elementary School which now accommodates Whiting Alternative High School and the District IT Department may need to be a part of the long term plan. This structure is the same vintage as Slade and Beitel schools and may be oversized and in the same physical condition.

• Two junior high schools were discussed in the preparation of this study and the

District administration felt that a two-school configuration would be educationally difficult along with various operations concerns.




4.0 CAPACITY ANALYSIS This analysis only considers the five elementary schools in town as noted earlier in this report and the junior high school. The Wyoming School Facilities Department developed a method to determine school capacity and was used to determine school capacities in 2011/12. These capacities are reported here. The SFD capacities differ from capacities determined in this study which were completed using current room utilization. In one case, Linford Elementary, two additional classrooms were added since the original capacity study was completed. These rooms show an increase in capacity for Linford. 4.1 Capacity Overview. The following table identifies the capacities as noted above. Based on the current enrollment numbers, the current utilization factors as well as the available seats for new students are shown. Slade ES is over capacity at this time by 10% while Beitel ES and Spring Creek ES are very close to capacity. The junior high is above capacity guidelines at the present time as well. Also shown are the projected enrollment numbers for 2024 and the subsequent available seats for students if no additional teaching spaces are made available. This analysis indicates that all schools in this study will be substantially over capacity by the end of this planning period.

CAPACITY ANALYSIS 8 fpc

In Summary Elementary: The total capacity for the K-5/6 elementary schools is 1,751 Which is up from the WSFD number of 1665 The current 2013 K-6 enrollment is 1,567 (Some of these students are currently at the junior high) The current 2013 K-5 enrollment for the elementary schools is 1,547 The projected growth for K-5 from 2014 to 2024 is 1,547 to 2,086 The year that the current capacity is exceeded for the K-5 elementary school configuration under the present enrollment projection is 2018 Junior High: The present capacity of the junior high is 696 The current 6-9 enrollment for the junior high is 798 The remaining 6th graders to be shifted to the junior high is 53 in 2013 and could be 85 by 2016 The projected growth for 6-8 from 2016 to 2024 is 734 to 1008 The year that the capacity is exceeded for 6-8 configuration Under the present enrollment projection is 2016


Data and Tools.

The AiM system maintained by the State of Wyoming was the source for much of the information contained in this section of this study. This data was collected during the period of 2011/12 and includes the following which is pertinent to this study:

• Building address, site size, building gross area and year built. • Building floor plans with room numbers and space use identification. • Room areas and space utilization notations. • Site plans were collected from the recent version of Google Earth. • The calculated capacity based on the WSFD’s “Method to Calculate School

Building Capacity” dated June 2012. Not all spaces in a school building affect capacity and the forms included herein identifies those spaces. Capacity can be established based on recommended class size or the allocation of space for each student with a given room. Both factors are identified on the capacity calculations forms. The standards employed for maximum class size and area per student are:


The capacity study worksheet has been replicated for this study and is prepared for each of the schools included in this report. An explanation of the worksheet components is contained below.


Floor Plans/Site Plans.

Each floor plan for every school in the State of Wyoming has been prepared and stored in the AiM system. Each includes a room number and color coding to represent certain room allocations. An example is shown below. The utilization of spaces represent the conditions at the time of the assessment. Alternate uses and even room re-organization have occurred in some instances since the recording of this data and have been included. An extensive space utilization assessment has not been provide in this study.


4.2 Individual School Analysis Beitel Elementary School Data and Capacity Calculator


Beitel Elementary School Plan Diagram and Site Plan


Indian Paintbrush Elementary School Data and Capacity Calculator


Indian Paintbrush Plan Diagram and Site Plan


Linford Elementary School Data and Capacity Calculator


Linford Plan Diagram and Site Plan


Slade Elementary School Data and Capacity Calculator


Slade Elementary Plan Diagram and Site Plan


Spring Creek Elementary School Data and Capacity Calculator


Spring Creek Elementary Plan Diagram and Site Plan


Laramie Junior High School Data and Capacity Calculator


Laramie Junior High School Plan Diagram and Site Plan


4.3 Capacity Summary

Critical issues from these findings include:

1. Slade is at capacity at the time of this report. Attendance boundaries, replacement or expansion should be considered for this school.

2. Laramie Junior High is over capacity at the time of this report. Reconfiguration or expansion should be considered.

3. Slade, Indian Paintbrush and Spring Creek building areas are considered undersized for the school capacity. Additions to these schools could be considered.

4. The site size for Beitel, Linford, Spring Creek and Slade are considered to be too small for the school capacity. Therefore, additions to these schools should not be considered.




5.0 OPTION IDENTIFICATION

The basis of these scenarios uses the findings prior to the formal attendance date of October 1, 2014. Based on the WSFD guidelines and methodology of calculating school capacity, a number of options were considered. These options ranged from non-construction solutions to additions and renovation and new construction. The initial list of considerations were: 5.1 Scenario A Fully utilize all educational spaces and insure a consistent allocation of space for activity spaces and pull-out programs. Findings indicate:

1. That there are no significant anomalies in the allocation of space for “activity” programs. An assessment of the space allocations suggest that under current pedagogy some spaces are undersized or non-existent.

2. Current utilization is high for all schools but there is some opportunity for increasing utilization.

3. Pull-out programs are becoming a very important component of student success and space allocation for these programs are increasing in current and future educational programs.

4. Two Pre-K programs are in place at Linford and Slade and in one instance a permanent classroom could be available for increased enrollment.

5. Slade Elementary is right at 100% capacity as of 2013 enrollment levels and Indian Paintbrush is over capacity by 103% for the 2014/2015 school year

Pull- out program space will vary depending on school demographics and available space but for simplicity of this analysis a consistent allocation of space was considered. Based on current enrollment an average of 9.5 SF per student of pull-out space is currently being allocated. At this rate of utilization the need for pull-out space would increase in some of the elementary schools by 2.5 classrooms and 1 classroom in the junior high. This will effectively reduce overall capacity 88 students in the elementary and 15 at the junior high. Conversely, if utilization is increased, in one case decreased, to 100% in all schools the additional student count district wide would be 3 less in the elementary schools and 5 less at the junior high. The reduction of seats in the

OPTION IDENTIFICATION 26 fpc

Junior High would compound the over capacity problem which is currently being resolves through the use of 3 modular units. Teaching spaces for science is a part of the elementary curriculum and these rooms for the most part do not exist at the present time. If this program is to be properly accommodated in a dedicated room the capacity of each elementary school would be reduced by 25 seats. One of the Pre-K programs is located in a modular at Linford while the one at Slade is housed in a permanent classroom. Keeping the program at Linford does not affect the capacity of that school. The capacity at Slade already claims the use of the room for core education classes. If space is needed, the Pre-K programs would need to be relocated. The net result of these actions is to reduce capacity in the elementary schools by 216 students and reduce the capacity of the junior high by 15 students.


5.2 Scenario B Due to the high FCI rating and limited site sizes, replace Slade and Beitel on new sites and expand Laramie Junior High. Findings include:

1. Replacement elementary schools should not exceed 4-sction size with a capacity of 456 students each. If 3-section schools are needed, plan on a capacity of 342 students. New Slade is a 4-section school and new Beitel is an expandable 3-section school.

2. After replacement schools are completed, Slade and Beitel ES will be will be closed.

3. Add on to Indian Paintbrush to make it a 4-section school (114 students, 6 classrooms)

4. The junior high capacity will need to be increased in the range of 796 to 976. For this evaluation, 976 student capacity is used

The total new capacity of the elementary schools would be 1,991 students which would meet projected student enrollment until 2022. This could be increased to 2,105 students if a 4-section school is used to replace Beitel ES. The junior high would require an addition of about 61,618 SF and the existing site would be undersized by as much as 2 acres. New capacity for the junior high would be 976 which will meet projections until 2023. Scenario B Implementation:


5.3 Scenario C Replace Slade on a new site and expand Laramie Junior High. Retain Beitel in its present location. Findings include:

1. Replacement elementary schools should not exceed 4-section size with a capacity of 456 students each. Replacement Slade is a 4-section school.

2. Slade ES will be would be closed and Beitel remains open. 3. The junior high capacity will need to be in the range of 796 to 976

students. A total of 976 students is used but implemented in two phases of 143 student capacity each.

The total new capacity of the elementary schools would be 1,919 students which would meet projected student enrollment until 2020. The junior high would require an addition of about 61,610 SF and the existing site would be undersized by as much as 2 acres. New capacity for the junior high would be 977 which will meet projections until 2023. Implemented in phases of 143 student each phase would require two separate additions of about 30,917 Sf each. Scenario C Implementation:


5.4 Scenario D Replace Slade and Beitel on new sites and construct a second junior high on a new site. Findings include:

1. Replacement Slade and Beitel elementary schools with 4-section schools with a capacity of 456 students each.

2. The existing Beitel and Slade schools would be closed. 3. The new junior high capacity will need to be 285 students on a new 14

acre site. The total new capacity of the elementary schools would be 1,991 students which would meet the enrollment projection until 2022. The new junior high would be 61,618 SF with a capacity of 285. Scenario D Implementation:


5.5 Scenario E. Replace Beitel and Slade on new sites, expand Indian Paintbrush and construct a new Laramie Junior High school. Findings include:

1. Expand Indian paintbrush with a 6 classroom addition with an added capacity of 114.

2. Replacement Slade with a 4-section school with a capacity of 456 students.

3. Replace Beitel with a 3-section expandable school with a capacity of 342 students.

4. Slade, Beitel and the existing junior high will be will be closed. 5. The junior high capacity will need to be 1008 students.

The total new capacity of the elementary schools would be 1,991 students which would meet projected student enrollment until 2022. This could be increased to 2,105 students if a 4-section school is used to replace Beitel ES. The junior high will be 149,446 SF and the capacity for the junior high would be 1008 which will meet projections until 2024. Scenario E Implementation:


5.6 Scenario F Replace Slade on a new site, expand Indian Paintbrush, construct a new Laramie Junior High school and a new Whiting School and renovate the existing Whiting as an elementary school. Findings include:

1. Expand Indian paintbrush with a 6 classroom addition with an added capacity of 114.

2. Replacement Slade with a 4-section school with a capacity of 456 students.

3. Construct a new facility for Whiting High School for fifty students and include space for the District IT department. The high school portion would be 18,087 SF and the IT portion 5600 SF for a total of 23,687 SF.

4. Renovate the existing Whiting facility (Thayer) to become an elementary school with a capacity of 195 students.

5. Slade and the existing junior high will be closed. 6. The junior high capacity will need to be 1008 students.

The total new capacity of the elementary schools would be 2,224 students which would meet projected student enrollment beyond 2024. The junior high will be 149,446 SF and the capacity for the junior high would be 1008 which will meet projections until 2024. Scenario F Implementation:


5.7 Summary of Scenarios The following is a summary of each scenario:


5.8 Scenario Evaluation On August 4th, 2014 the District, WSFD staff and the planning consultant met to evaluate scenarios A-E. From that discussion scenario F was created. Further comments were made on all scenarios resulting in the following grading and priority outcomes. Based on these findings Scenarios B, D and E will move forward for further consideration. In the next section the scenarios will receive new terminologies as noted below: Scenario B will be Option 1 Scenario D will be Option 2 Scenario E will be Option 3




6.0 OPTION ASSESSMENT The previous section identified three options for further consideration. These include:

Option 1 Expand Indian Paintbrush, replace Slade and Beitel on new sites and expand Laramie Junior High.

Option 2 Replace Slade and Beitel on new sites and construct a second junior high on a new site. Option 3 Expand Indian Paintbrush, replace Beitel and Slade on new sites and construct a new Laramie Junior High school.

This section will further define these options, adjust scope and implementations strategies. In addition, a cost estimate will be prepared for each for a more comprehensive comparison. With this information a final plan will be selected. The criteria that each option will strive to meet is: 6.1 Assessment Criteria Satisfies Capacity Requirements. Meets and slightly exceeds the capacities needed based on the project enrollment growth but does not exceed growth by a significant amount to create underutilized facilities for extended periods. Educational Impact. Fulfills the District’s objectives for the delivery of the educational program and offers advantages for the implementation of future, unknown programs. Stays within the pedagogy and configurations established by the District. Operational Cost. Minimizes the cost of energy, maintenance and transportation costs relative to other options. Community Impact. Maintains the concept of community schools with easy access by pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Does not disrupt existing neighborhoods or impose significant traffic volumes to neighborhoods. Site Impact. Meets the WSFD guidelines for recommended site size and allows for reasonable site development costs. Estimated Cost of Development. Minimizes the cost of construction relative to other options.

OPTION ASSESSMENT 35 fpc

FCI/FCNI Resolution. Eliminates or significantly reduces the costs of systems repair and maintenance of facilities for the District. Community Expectations. Does the option meet resistance from the community or is the perception that the option meets known community expectations. Implementation. Are the implementation strategies attainable, practical and timely. Will the implementation mitigate some of the temporary space needs required during the transition phase before the new high school is completed. 6.2 Resources Several tools have been developed to support the conclusions identified in each option and are found in the appendix. Some of the options require new facilities to be built and prototypical building programs have been developed to identify the spaces that make up the new facility. Where additions are called for a detailed program is not provided. More in depth analysis is needed which is not within the scope of the study. However, a size of the addition is developed based on the limits established by the WSFD guidelines. Detailed cost budgets have been prepared for the new construction and renovation work. In some cases the cost of land acquisition is also included. In addition, meeting minutes are provided for reference. Below are the enrollment projections for the subject schools with notations at which year enrollment growth will reach or exceed school capacity. This begins to establish the implementation schedule needed to meet the criteria noted above.


6.3 Plan Objectives Based on the findings of this study and the information shown in the table above, the objectives to be accomplished in the proposed Options are:

Beitel Elementary is 88% utilized at this time and the site is undersized by a

significant amount. The FCI rating for Beitel is high as well. The physical size of the building would justify a larger enrollment but with significant reconfiguration costs. At its current rate of growth Beitel will reach its capacity by 2020. Beitel should be replaced on a larger site and occupied for the 2019/2020 school year and sized to compliment the space needs of the District which could be a three or four-section school.

Indian Paintbrush is over capacity at this time due in part to the sixth grade class still residing in the building. After the transition, its projected enrollment will fall to acceptable levels but will reach capacity again in 2020. At the present time the school is undersized by over 6,000 SF and many programs are currently housed in inadequate rooms such as science, cafeteria and kindergarten and some programs such as the computer lab are not accommodated. Expansion of this school should be considered immediately with and address space deficiencies for science, cafeteria and kindergarten classrooms. The modifications should be complete for the 2016/2017 school year.

Linford is only 86% utilized while the site is smaller than standards suggest.

The physical plant is oversized for the capacity. Linford is the only school located on the west side of the District within Laramie providing an important


community asset. The school will not reach capacity during this planning period.

Slade Elementary will reach capacity during the transition period and will remain over capacity for the duration of this planning period. The school is undersized slightly and the site is undersized considerably. In addition the FCI rating is very high. It is recommended that the school be replaced on a larger site and sized to be a 4-section school. This work should be finished for the 2018/2019 school year. In order for this to be accomplished abatement and demolition of the old high school should be done between July 2016 and December 2016 with a construction start of the new elementary school in March of 2017.

Spring Creek is over capacity at the present time and will remain so over the

extent of this planning period. The physical plant is under sized but the site size is adequate for the current capacity. It is recommended that serious considerations be given to slight adjustments in attendance areas to take advantage of new facilities recommended in this study such as Beitel and Slade.

Laramie Junior High is well over its capacity now and even after the transition period. The FCI rating is reasonable but the southeastern corner of the building is experiencing foundation shifting due to ground aquifer issues. The physical plant is oversized for the capacity and the site is only slightly larger than the WSFD standards. Due to the shift in the grade configuration of the District, significant consideration must be given to the delivery of the educational program and physical needs of that program. It is recommended that an educational specification be developed in the near future to establish the character of the new space needs and then move forward with a plan to expand or replace the school. As a result of the recommendation for the junior high further analysis in this study will be provided and the focus placed on the elementary schools only.


6.4 OPTION ASSESSMENT 6.4.1 OPTION 1, EXPAND INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, REPLACE SLADE, REPLACE BEITEL and EXPAND LARAMIE JUNIOR HIGH. Scope: 1. Expand Indian Paintbrush by adding 3 classrooms in phases and expanding

certain core areas. Phase 1: Building Size: 10,591 SF Renovated Area: 3,992 SF

Capacity: 32 Net Capacity Increase: 32

Site Area Needed: .32A Current Estimated Construction Cost: $2,634,702 Phase 2: Building Size: 1,226 SF


Site Area Needed: .16A Current Estimated Construction Cost: $343,170 Total after Additions are Complete: Building Size: 64,467 SF (Allowable area for this capacity is (55,498 SF)

Capacity: 407 Net Capacity Increase: 48 Site Area Needed: 8.41 A

2. Move forward as soon as possible with an addition to Laramie Junior High. The total space need will be constructed in phases.

Phase 1: Building Size: 22,064 SF Renovated Area: 105,911 SF


Site Area Needed: 1.6 A Current Estimated Construction Cost: Not included in this study.

Phase 2: Building Size: 22,064 SF

Capacity: 161 Net Capacity Increase: 161 Site Area Needed: 1.6 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: Not included in this study.


Total After Phases Are Complete: Building Size: 150,039 SF

Capacity: 1013 Net Capacity Increase: 322 Site Area Needed: 20.01 A (Existing site is 17.5 A)

3. Move forward as soon as possible with the replacement of Slade by a 4-section school located on the old high school site. Close and demolish existing Slade.

Building Size: 59,511 SF Capacity: 448 Net Capacity Increase: 144 Site Area Needed: 8.5 A Current Estimated Construction Cost: $16,201,870

4. Move forward with the replacement of Beitel with a 3-section school expandable to 4-sections located on the new site adjacent to the new high school. Close and demolish existing Beitel.


Capacity: 336 Net Capacity Increase: 45 Site Area Needed: 7.4 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: $17,002,509




Capacity: 448 Net Capacity Increase: 157 Site Area Needed: 8.5 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: $19,817,408 Capacity: K-5: 2,092 6-8: 1,013 Costs: Total Estimated Construction Budget: $53,578,023 Increased Energy & Custodial Costs: $232,967 Transportation: Not Relevant


Option 1 Implementation Summary: 1. Due to its size and need for replacement of the modular now in place at Indian

Paintbrush, implement the first phase of the addition immediately so that it can be occupied in the 2016 school year.

2. Funding to design the Slade replacement is now in place and the earliest it can be brought on line is the school year of 2018. Construction of Slade must be coordinated with the demolition of the old high school.

3. Complete the first addition to Laramie Junior High School for occupancy in 2018. This allows 3 years for planning, design and construction. For those years the facility will be operating over capacity.

4. Implement the second phase addition at Indian Paintbrush preferably in conjunction with the first phase construction but no later than 2019.

5. Implement the second phase addition at LJRHS so that is completed no later than August 2021.

6. Construct the replacement of Beitel so that it is ready for occupancy in August 2019. First phase is a 3-section school capable of becoming a 4-section school. It is preferable and cost effective to build both phases initially.

OPTION 1, Pro/Con Statement:

Pros Cons Satisfies capacity needs until 2023 The junior high site is too small by 2.9

A. Fulfills District educational goals Results in a large junior high Meets community expectations Highest growth in operation costs Minimal impact to the community Underutilization of the elementary

schools for 6 years Uses available sites for the elementary Schools

Highest cost for construction due to the delay in construction timing

District FCI is improved by 2 new school facilities

Increases capacity earlier than other options

The addition to Indian Paintbrush extends the overall capacity beyond the 5-year look-ahead growth curve

Optimal utilization of the JRHS Reduces dependency on modulars Capacity growth best mirrors projected growth


6.4.2 OPTION 2. SECOND JUNIOR HIGH, REPLACE SLADE, REPLACE BEITEL Scope: 1. Move forward as soon as possible with a second Junior High on a new site.

Retain Laramie Junior High and renovate to mitigate significant facility condition deficiencies.

Building Size: 64,528 SF Capacity: 312 Net Capacity Increase: 312

Site Area Needed: 13.1 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: Not a part of this study.

2. Move forward as soon as possible with the replacement of Slade by a 4-section school located on the old high school site. Close and demolish existing Slade.

Building Size: 59,511 SF Capacity: 448 Net Capacity Increase: 144 Site Area Needed: 8.5 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: $16,201,870

3. Move forward with the replacement of Beitel by a 4-section school located on the new site adjacent to the new high school. Close and demolish existing Beitel.

Building Size: 59,511 SF Capacity: 448 Net Capacity Increase: 157 Site Area Needed: 8.5 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: $18,592,587 Capacity: K-5: 2,044 6-8: 1,012 Costs: Total Estimated Construction Budget: $49,702,242 Increased Energy & Custodial Costs: $185,196 Transportation: May increase due to additional 6-8 bus routes Option 2 Implementation Summary: 1. Funding to design the replacement is now in place and the earliest it can be

brought on line is the school year of 2018. Construction of Slade must be coordinated with the demolition of the old high school.

2. Complete the second Laramie Junior High School for occupancy in 2019. This allows 4 years for site acquisition, planning, design and construction. For those years the existing facility will be operating over capacity.


3. Construct the replacement of Beitel so that it is ready for occupancy in August 2019. This will be a 4-section school which could be a prototype of Slade.


Pros Cons Satisfies capacity needs until 2023 An additional site must be acquired Fulfills District educational goals Duplicates administrative staff and

services at the junior high level Improves accessibility to the junior high facilities

Delays capacity increase for 4 years

Uses available sites for the elementary Schools

Increases transportation costs


Under utilization of the junior high for 4 years

Good utilization of the elementary schools

Increases the possible need for modular in the first four years of the planning period

The capacity of the Junior high slightly exceeds the 5-year, look- ahead of the growth projection by one year

The second JRHS may be controversial

Lowest increase in operating expenses


6.4.3 OPTION 3, EXPAND INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, NEW JUNIOR HIGH, and REPLACE SLADE, REPLACE BEITEL Scope: 1. Expand Indian Paintbrush by adding 3 classrooms in phases and expanding

certain core areas in phase 1. Phase 1: Building Size: 10,591 SF Renovated Area: 3,992 SF


Site Area Needed: .32A Current Estimated Construction Cost: $2,634,702 Phase 2: Building Size: 1,226 SF


Site Area Needed: .16A Current Estimated Construction Cost: $343,170 Total after Additions are Complete: Building Size: 64,467 SF (Allowable area for this capacity is 55,498 SF)

Capacity: 407 Net Capacity Increase: 48 Site Area Needed: 8.41 A

2. Move forward as soon as possible with a new Laramie Junior High. The existing junior high to be closed and demolished.

Building Size: 150,039 SF


Site Area Needed: 20 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: Not a part of this study

3. Move forward as soon as possible with the replacement of Slade by a 4-section school located on the old high school site. Close existing Slade.

Building Size: 60,472 Capacity: 448 Net Capacity Increase: 144 Site Area Needed: 8.5 A Future Estimated Construction Cost: $16,623,167


4. Move forward with the replacement of Beitel with a 3-section school expandable to 4-sections located on the new site adjacent to the new high school. Close and demolish existing Beitel.







Capacity: K-5: 2,032 6-8: 1012 Costs: Total Estimated Construction Budget: $53,578,023 Increased Energy & Custodial Costs: $232,996 Transportation: Not Relevant Option 3 Implementation Summary: 1. Due to its size and need for replacement of the modular now in place at Indian

Paintbrush, implement the first phase of the addition immediately so that it can be occupied in the 2016 school year.

2. Funding to design the replacement is now in place and the earliest it can be brought on line is the school year of 2018. Construction of Slade must be coordinated with the demolition of the old high school.

3. Complete the replacement of Laramie Junior High School for occupancy in 2019. This allows 4 years for planning, design and construction. For those years the facility will be operating over capacity.

4. Implement the second phase addition at Indian Paintbrush preferably in conjunction with the first phase construction but no later than 2019.


5. Implement the second phase addition at LJRHS so that is completed no later than August 2021.

6. Construct the replacement of Beitel so that it is ready for occupancy in August 2019. First phase is a 3-section school capable of becoming a 4-section school. It is preferable and cost effective to build both phases initially.


Pros Cons Satisfies capacity needs until 2023 The junior high site is too small by 2.9

A. Fulfills District educational goals Results in a large junior high May be controversial Minimal impact to the community Underutilized JHS for 5 years Uses available sites for the elementary Schools

Underutilized elementary schools for 6 years


Underutilized HRHS for 3 years

Lowest Construction cost 6.5 Option Evaluation (To Be Completed)


Documents

Albany County School District # 1 K-8 Capacity Study & Master Plan · 2015-01-19 · Albany County School District #1 enjoys successes in the education of its students that are the