Citizens Advisory Committee for
School Facilities Planning and Funding Final Report - Recommendations April 12, 2000

New Schools

1. We RECOMMEND that the Plan provide seats for at least 3,500 additional students a year over a 3-year period to handle projected growth.
2. We RECOMMEND that the capacity models for new schools - the total number of students to be accommodated-be reduced to the lowest number feasible.
3. We RECOMMEND that the space standards be reduced by 15% to 17% (to the low end of state guidelines) for middle and high schools.
4. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS adopt a long range goal of 92% permanent seats vs. 8% mobile.
5. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS provide more optional year schools, especially in areas where the year-round option does not currently exist.
6. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS construct some new schools less expensively with only selected non-classroom facilities-but make them magnet schools with unique instructional programs to attract students.
7. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS try using modular (not mobile) construction, alternative contracting methods, private lease-purchase contracts, off-site food preparation, and other alternative methods to build and finance new schools at lower cost.

Renovations to Existing Schools

1. We RECOMMEND that the capacity models for renovated schools be reduced to the lowest number feasible, and that space standards be reduced by 15% to 17% (to the low end of state guidelines) for middle and high schools.
2. We RECOMMEND that Renovation and updating of existing, inadequate facilities have a priority equal to that for new school construction, as long as the renovations are needed to meet minimum health and safety standards and a standard of minimum adequacy for education.
3. We RECOMMEND that some WCPSS schools be renovated at less expense-with only selected space improvements or non-classroom amenities-but made magnet schools with unique instructional programs to attract students.
4. We RECOMMEND that the routine maintenance of WCPSS buildings be significantly improved.
5. We RECOMMEND that a low priority be placed on renovations that reduce the stock of classrooms as well as renovations of non-classroom facilities, such as upgrading athletic facilities or parking lots, so that high priority needs such as health, safety, and adequate classrooms are addressed first.
6. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS try using modular (not mobile) construction and other alternative contracting and construction methods when renovating schools.

Technology

1. We RECOMMEND that there not be a separate “technology” component in the Capital Spending Plan.
2. We RECOMMEND that sufficient operating funds should be provided to allow systemwide e-mail and Internet access for teachers, administrators, and other staff.
3. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS integrate technology into the curriculum as completely as possible, making use of the latest research and focusing resources on those grades and subjects where the greatest benefits are likely.
4. We RECOMMEND that WCPSS allocate sufficient funds within its operating budget for teacher training to ensure the effective integration and use of new technology and that it actively seeks financial and in-kind contributions of computers from the private sector.

Other Facilities

1. We RECOMMEND that so long as there is a substantial shortage of classrooms, non-classroom facility construction be deferred.

Operating Budget Issues

1. We RECOMMEND that the county devote more funding to maintenance and repair.
2. We RECOMMEND that the Wake County Commissioners and the Board of Education establish a Wake County Public Building Authority to oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of all county facilities not already under the jurisdiction of a preexisting authority.

Legislative/Policy Issues

1. We RECOMMEND changes in state statutes to remove constraints over how the WCPSS budget the funds it receives from the state and to remove the upper limit on charter schools in Wake County, provided that all new charter schools meet basic financial criteria to ensure their long term stability.
2. We RECOMMEND changes in state statutes to allow WCPSS a choice of delivery methods in building and renovating schools, including traditional general contracting, construction management at risk, design/build, or other methods as deemed appropriate.
3. It is our understanding that the WCPSS currently pays some sales tax on the cost of materials for new construction (without full reimbursement), as well as for some operating expenditure Wherever this is occurring we RECOMMEND that the relevant statutes be changed to stop this.
4. We RECOMMEND that the Wake school board, county commissioners, and the proposed Authority encourage and provide incentives to developers and local companies make land and/or facilities available for public schools, to the extent that state statutes and state and local policies allow. Wherever statutes and/or policies prohibit or restrict the likelihood Of this action, we RECOMMEND that they be changed.
5. We RECOMMEND that Wake County and its municipalities form a voluntary compact to provide countywide expedited permitting and inspections of schools. Failing the formation of such a compact, we RECOMMEND changes in state statutes to consolidate those functions and provide Wake County with the authority to hire or contract with inspectors to provide such countywide permitting and inspections.

Outline of a Capital Plan for WCPSS

1. We RECOMMEND a Capital Spending Plan for the 3 1/2 year period from November 2000 to June 2004 to range between approximately $500 million and $600 million, depending on the extent to which WCPSS chooses to, and is allowed to, pursue innovative approaches to school facility construction, renovation, and finance as we have recommended.

Strategies for Broad Inclusion of the Community for Future Capital Spending Plans

1. We recommend that in order to garner additional public support, the WCPSS needs to publicize its construction and instructional successes,.
2. Beyond the bond referendum, however, we believe strongly that elected officials should put in place an ongoing advisory group that will work to monitor the WCPSS's progress on meeting its growth needs, analyze unmet needs and provide the School Board and County Commissioners with a steady stream of information about the community's concerns and perceptions of the schools.

Issues Raised, But Not Adequately Studied by the Committee

We recommend that these be referred to the subsequent Committee:

1. What are the terms of the system's contract with the Heery Corporation? What does WCPSS get for this money? Is the value received worth continuing the cost? Without the Heery contract, what of their information/services the systems staff could provide?
2. Discussion, analysis, and priority setting for other facilities.
3. Are the schools in Wake County too large, especially the high schools? If so, what can be done about this?