Madison elementary space utilization

8/7/2019 Madison elementary space utilization

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MADISON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Informational Packet

Regarding

Elementary Space Utilization

provided by the

Planning Committee 5/18/10 (rev. 3/11/11)

Assessing Space for Elementary Program

(2002-2004)

Summarized below and on the following pages is the rationale and methodology that the MadisonBoard of Education used to assess elementary space during 2002-2004. This analysis was utilized todecide which downtown building (Island or Academy) best meets the needs of the Madison Public

Schools Elementary Program, without major renovation or addition. This school facilities discussioncommenced in 2002. In 2004, the Board of Education via resolution, determined that, of the twoschools, Island Avenue, as is, best meets the needs of the elementary program in a fiscallyresponsible manner.

Goals & Underlying Assumptions

1. Long-Term Viability of Elementary Facility Model

o Supports Enrollment Projectionso Maximizes Utilization of Available Spaceo Provide Flexibility in Accommodating PreK-4 Grade Configurationo Provide Space to Support an Expanded Kindergarten Program

2. Provide Space Consistent with Current Educational Standards & BOEs Strategic Plan

o Dedicated, Appropriate-Sized Spaces for Core Classrooms, Related Arts & SupportServices

o Equitable Programming & Student Distribution Across Facilities


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3. Develop a Facilities Plan that is Fiscally Responsible

o Efficient Operational Costso Minimize Capital Expenditures to Town

Capital Building Improvements Needed as of 2004 (Unrelated to Use)

Inventory of Standard-Sized Spaces (or Larger) Available

Board Determined Two Options for Downtown Elementary School

1. Use Island Avenue School As Is

2. Renovate Academy Elementary School to meet educational goals & standards

Summary of Building Studies Associated with Academy Renovation

Academy RenovationYearConsultant/Report Commissioned

By

Cost

Estimate

Comments

2003Pierz Associates

Code ComplianceAssessment

Board ofEducation

$452,100 Addressed only ADA Code Compliance. The

consultant also provided a follow-up report addressingKindergarten-related life safety codes.

2004Jeter Cook & Jepson

Architectural/EngineeringStudy

Board ofEducation

$4,400,000* Cost includes minimal necessary renovations, ADA upgradeand 4-classroom addition to accommodate program andKindergarten code.

2007Jeter Cook & Jepson

Architectural/EngineeringStudy

Board ofSelectmen

$11,000,000*Two updates were completed this year. The cost figures wetaken from the last 2007 study. An additional cost estimate $26,000,000 was also developed which included a partialreconstruction of the building as well as renovation to

retained (original) areas.2010Drummey Rosane

Anderson, Inc. (DRA)

Madison FacilityOptimization Study

Joint FacilitiesReviewCommittee

$400 per

square foot.

AcademyGBA

Figures represent a verbal cost estimate shared with theJFRC and community during workshops. Figures are basedon typical new construction costs of $400/sf. DRArecommends bracketing estimates (5%+/-) to develop a rangfor budgeting/planning purposes. Cost would include allnecessary renovation based upon current building conditionand code compliance issues.


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49,200sf

*It should be noted that these cost estimates do not include renovation of 1/2 of the basement.

Significant Factors Leading to Board Decision to Use Island Avenue asDowntown School

1. For elementary utilization, Island Avenues single story structure is preferable over Academysmulti-story design

and lack of ground level instructional space.

2. There are more standard-size instructional spaces (or larger) available for core & supportclassrooms at IAS.

3. Ground level or above-grade spaces are preferable to below-grade spaces for instruction.

4. The Boards ability to meet State/Federal standards to provide least restrictive environment for allstudents is

achievable only via an accessible facility.

5. Current layout of Academy limits flexibility with respect to grade configuration (coderequirements preclude use

of the building for Kindergarten without a ground-level addition).

7. Well maintained modular spaces will be viable for the foreseeable future as instructional spaces.

6. The scope of work and excessive cost associated with renovation to Academy.

Recent Educational Standards & Building Needs Requiring Consideration

The following educational needs are in addition to the planning assumptions utilized prior todecision-making. Former assumption was that 5 support spaces were needed for the elementaryschool program. The needs highlighted below are in addition to the previously utilized figure. Referto the administrative document highlighting current space needs within the districts elementary

facilities.

1. Additional space needs necessary for SRBI & special education; inclusive ofMadisons ability to

successfully educate students with extraordinary needs in district.

2. Space needs for expanded science and math requirements.


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3. Space needs for world languages.

Q & A

1. Why werent the middle schools or high school included within the Town-WideFacility Optimization Study?

The only middle school component critical to the study was the Polson School Auditorium. Thisfacility is the largest group meeting space for the school district as well as the community. It has amulti-purpose use for the community including education, performances by both the school districtand community, as well Town/Civic meetings. Currently mechanical systems are antiquated andinadequate by todays standards. The JFRC was also interested in assessing the potential foradditional seating.

In terms of current utilization for middle and high school programming, these spaces are deemedadequate to support all aspects of the program. Each middle school building has been recentlyrenovated to provide appropriate spaces to support the lower and upper middle school models; onein each building. Currently, the 5-12 program spaces are not in need of capital expenditures andthere is no under-utilization of space. Reliable enrollment projections for a five-year termdemonstrate that spaces will continue to support the program in an effective and efficient mannerfor the foreseeable future.

2. Why wasnt Island Avenue School assessed for potential alternative uses?

The scope of the Facility Optimization Study was limited to alternative uses for AcademyElementary School only. The JFRC which is comprised of members of the Board of Selectman,Board of Finance and Board of Education commissioned the study to determine the effective use ofTown facilities in the most fiscally responsible/cost effective manner.The committee relied uponpast studies and Board of Education resolutions to assist in developing the studys scope. Theseincluded the estimated capital expenditures necessary for Academy, the BOE resolution to utilizeIsland Avenue School (IAS) as the downtown elementary school and the BOE determination thatIAS currently meets the educational as well as building standards necessary for elementary schooluse. Given the current economic environment and enrollment projections that show only one of thetwo buildings is needed for the next 10-15 years, renovation to Academy Elementary School foreducational purposes has been considered by the JFRC to be cost-prohibitive.

The charge given to the Towns consultant was to determine economically feasible alternatives foruse of the Academy School Building should the Board of Education return control of this building

to the Town.

3. Why did the Board of Education take Academy School offline knowing it wouldtrigger/require capital expenditures if it were re-opened?


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The majority of capital expenditures required for Academy Elementary School were known andpublicly identified in building studies prior to its closing. These necessary improvements include anew roof, replacement of the problematic and antiquated septic system, replacement of the heatingsystem (original boilers, piping, etc.), upgrading of the antiquated electrical system both in terms ofwiring and capacity, installation of technology infrastructure, the cost to cure ADA non-compliance

(the building is inaccessible), etc. The only known capital expense that has been triggered by buildingclosure is the need to fully sprinkler all lower level spaces due to changes in life safety codes sincethe school was taken offline.

The cost associated with the necessary building improvements was a key component in the decision-making process leading to Academy being taken offline and IAS being designated the downtownelementary facility.

Documents

Madison elementary space utilization