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March 8, 2004 Meeting Recap (Posted April 27, 2004)
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>Building Options Summary
>Arcon Presentation
>FGM Presentation
"Your input will help the board make a better decision," Superintendent Dr. Jack Barshinger told the 125 residents who attended the March 8 facilities meeting to learn about concepts for accommodating the district's growing enrollment and programming needs. "In the short-term, our solution is portables," said Dr. Barshinger, adding "that with the buildings at capacity and every corner in use, the district is looking for long-range solutions. "
Two architectural firms approached the issue from different perspectives: Arcon looked at the engineering, asking what the acreage, mechanicals such as heating and plumbing, and traffic patterns could support. FGM developed its concepts after meeting with members of the school community to understand their needs and perspectives.
The 14 concepts ran the gamut from additions to each building to building new schools to creating centers such as a fifth grade center or a combination Pre-K/Administration Center. Residents evaluated the concepts against two criteria: how feasible, or do-able, was a given option, and what educational quality did it support.
The following concepts were rated most highly on both criteria:
• Build a 5-6 grade center at the Spalding site.
• Build a K-5 school at the Spalding site in conjunction with an addition at Hadley.
The architects noted that compared to official criteria for school buildings (such the Illinois School Board of Education standards), District 41 schools have inadequate land, and undersized classrooms and that the district may be eligible for a state school construction grant.
The April 26 facilities meeting will include information on 12-month, multi-track scheduling (year-round school).
Dr. Barshinger stressed that the options presented were just concepts, not firm plans, and that no decisions have been made. "We are looking at the ideas that the public generated during the brainstorming sessions held earlier in the school year."
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