Facility Master Plan

New Facility Master Plan launches | Winter

District 303 commissions Wold Architects to facilitate the Facility Master Plan process. Data is gathered on facility usage and physical conditions.

Educational Facility Planning Committee formed | Fall

The Educational Facility Planning Committee (an extension of the Citizen Advisory Committee) is formed. They are tasked with working alongside District Administration and Wold Architects to develop a financially sustainable, comprehensive long-range Facility Master Plan that would accommodate enrollment, instruction, programs and support systems over the next 10 years.

Committee presents report to Board | June 14

The Committee presented a report to the Board with recommendations. It included feedback from focus groups and findings ranging from space equity and grade configuration to accessibility and safety and security.

Review Findings | Fall

District Administration worked with Wold Architects to review the committee’s findings and recommendations.

Space Comparison to Industry Standards | January 31

District Administration worked with Wold Architects to evaluate current District spaces in comparison to industry standards.

Board Approves Facility Guiding Principles | August 8

The Board approved 13 guiding principles from which the District will follow with regard to facility planning.

Board Approves RSP Contract | August 8

The Board approved a contract with RSP & Associates to complete a detailed enrollment study and facility capacity study to assess future growth and how the District is utilizing its current buildings.

Listen Learn Return launched | August 31

The District begins a series of listening sessions, called Listen Learn Return , with follow up meetings to share feedback and action steps from the prominent themes that emerged.

Strategic Plan Committee formed | September

The Strategic Plan Development Committee is formed to begin developing the District’s 5-year plan to guide its long-term vision for students and employees. Priorities include effective collaboration, instructional coherence and culture of dignity.

Return Meeting on Operations | February 1

Return meetings were held to review the Operations Theme, which included concerns on overcrowding in schools, and preview next steps in the Facility Master Plan process.

RSP Presents Findings | February 23

RSP presented findings of its enrollment and capacity studies. Among its key findings: Overall enrollment is expected to remain stable over the next 5 years, and across the district there is the functional capacity to support elementary enrollment (the capacity study did not include early childhood services).

Watch RSP's presentation.

Begin Development of Minimum Space Standards | February 23

It was determined at the RSP presentation that minimum space standards need to be established to ensure equitable learning experiences for each student. Additionally, it was recommended the district values and strategic plan be used to establish the minimum space standards. The Board requested that the administration recommend minimum space standards for elementary schools.

RSP Follow Up Discussion | February 27

Administration presented a follow-up to the RSP study. Topics included norms for discussing space standards and proposed building changes and a list of what the Board would like to consider moving forward, such as analysis of early childhood demographics, program locations, ADA compliance, Haines space utilization, among others.

Administration Presents Heat Maps | March 23

Administration presented additional documents requested by the Board as follow-up items, including heat maps of student population density broken out by age group.

Administration Presents on Early Childhood | April 3

During a Learning and Teaching Committee meeting, Administration presented on early childhood , including required services and the need for one location in order to meet the strategic priorities.

Administration Presents Minimum Space Standards to Board | April 10

Administration presented to the Board on Elementary Space Utilization and received consensus to share these with RSP, which will use the standards to provide functional capacity numbers this summer. The standards set space minimums for building classrooms, offices and program space. The standards establish space minimums for building classrooms, offices, and district program space based on the District's values and strategic priorities. Based on current building structures, some schools don't meet all standards.

Administration Presents on Compass Academy | April 24

During a Business Services Committee meeting, Administration presented on Compass Academy , which described the Alternative Learning Opportunities Programs (ALOP) services offered, and clarified why the District needs both a comprehensive high school and non-traditional high school experience to support the implementation of our strategic priorities.

Lincoln & Fox Ridge usage presented to Board | May 8

The District anticipates that the functional capacity numbers provided by RSP - aligned with the minimum standards - will suggest repurposing Lincoln Elementary and Fox Ridge Early Childhood Center. At the May 8 Board meeting, Administration provided additional information on how the space standards impact Lincoln, Fox Ridge and Richmond. It was shared that no changes will take place in the 2023-2024 school year. It was also discussed that for the 2024-2025 school year, if approved by the Board, the District would reopen Fox Ridge as an elementary school, repurpose Lincoln, and implement boundary changes.

Lincoln & Fox Ridge cost analysis, Haines Center space utilization presented to Board | May 25

Administration presented a cost analysis of Lincoln and Fox Ridge, along with space utilization at Haines Center. Administration was joined by Wold Architects to discuss current use, future building scenarios and funding options. The Board also requested Administration explore additional scenarios. From these options, one scenario and one funding model will be brought before the Board to consider at its June 12 meeting.

Updated Capacity Numbers from RSP, Scenario Recommended | June 12

At the June 12 Board meeting, RSP provided updated functional capacity, and Administration presented a recommendation to the Board for space utilization of Lincoln, Fox Ridge and Haines and a funding model. Administration recommended scenario D. The Board tabled action on this agenda item for a future meeting. Scenario D repurposes Fox Ridge as an elementary school, and will do the following:

• Relocate Transition, L&T office spaces and PL space to Lincoln
• Relocate EC to Haines;
• Maintain Compass at Haines

Scenario D Reviewed | June 29

At the June 29 Business Services Committee meeting, Administration provided a follow-up presentation on Scenario D (Pages 10-16) and reiterated the recommendation of this scenario for Board approval at the next regular Board meeting. This scenario meets all evaluation criteria by: aligning with the strategic priorities, enhancing learning opportunities for students, ensuring necessary space for early childhood, providing professional learning space, cost is within financial parameters, and aligns with Board’s facility guiding principles. A detailed breakdown of Scenario D can be viewed in the Board memo .

Secondary Space Standards Presented | June 29

At the June 29 Business Services Committee meeting, Administration presented minimum space standards for middle and high schools (Pages 6-9). Administration found, based on RSP's enrollment and capacity study, that there are no enrollment or capacity concerns at the high school level. Projections do show increased enrollment and over-utilization at the middle school level will occur for a limited time. This does not require brick-or-mortar solutions, but will need to be addressed through other means. A detailed breakdown of secondary space standards can be viewed in the Board memo (Pages 4-5).

Board Approves Scenario D | July 26

At the July 26 regular meeting, the Board approved the recommendation of Scenario D. Changes will take effect to begin the 2024-2025 school year and include the following:

• Reopen Fox Ridge as an elementary school,
• Relocate the Transition program, Learning and Teaching office spaces, and Professional Learning space to Lincoln,
• Relocate early childhood services to the Haines Center,
• Maintain Compass Academy at the Haines Center

Board Approves Enrollment and Boundary Analysis Contract | July 31

At the July 31 special meeting, the Board approved a contract with RSP & Associates to complete an updated enrollment study as well as a thorough boundary analysis. In order to re-open Fox Ridge as an elementary school and to address overcrowding throughout the District's schools, a thorough review of school boundaries is necessary. The boundary analysis will include the facilitation of public meetings and will result in the creation of new attendance areas that account for current and future enrollment trends.

Discussion on Capital Improvement Plan

At the July Business Services Committee meeting, Administration will discuss its capital improvement plan, which focuses on maintenance needs.

Discussion on Space Utilization Funding

At the August Business Services Committee meeting, the Board will discuss the funding model to support space utilization of Lincoln, Fox Ridge and Haines.

Administration will begin reviewing boundaries

Administration will engage the community regarding boundaries for the 2024-2025 school year.

Board considers construction bids

Construction bid recommendations will be brought for Board approval in order to make functional capacity building modifications next summer.

Action Taken on Revised School Boundaries

Board takes action on revised school boundaries.

Building construction begins

Construction begins on District buildings to make small to moderate functional capacity modifications. This is to be completed prior to the start of fall classes.

Modified buildings and new boundaries open for school year

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, modified District buildings with new functional capacities open, space utilization changes for Lincoln Elementary and Fox Ridge Early Childhood Center begin and new building boundaries are in place.