Six Guiding Principles were established at the project outset in collaboration with the Steering Committee, and validated in engagement with community stakeholders. These principles serve as a framework for decision making over the course of the planning process. They were employed in evaluating strategies for inclusion in the Master Plan, and will continue to be used as the district prioritizes projects for implementation.

 

Create Active Learning Environments

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• Equip key spaces with the ingredients needed to support arts integration and project-based learning

• Invest in flexible furniture, equipment that promotes movement and provides educators with the flexibility needed to shape their own classrooms

• Create technology-ready learning and support spaces that promote a broad spectrum of programs and curricular activities

 

Optimize Use of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces for Learning, Exploration and Play

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• Link indoor and outdoor spaces where possible to broaden the boundaries of the learning, recreation, and play experience at each campus

• Create outdoor labs to promote experiential, project-based learning

• Plan for shared use of key spaces to promote efficient and effective space use

 

Provide Safe, Inviting Campuses That Promote a Sense of Belonging For All Kids and Their Families
 

• Provide facilities that help the district fulfill its purpose as a center of community life with 12-hour support systems for students and families.

• Create areas of display and exhibit that promote school spirit, arts integration, and the cultural diversity and pride of the entire student body

• Ensure all school facilities have the required specialty spaces and infrastructure to support core curricular programs

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Enhance the Image and Identity of Each School Site
 

• Enhance the ‘front door’ experience of each school site, with better signage, wayfinding and landscaping

• Improve the on-campus parent and student experience and flow

• Be trusted partners by developing plans in consultation with students, principals, teachers, parents and local neighborhood communities

• Ensure inter & intra district equity in services and facilities available to students

Promote Health and Wellness
 

• Ensure that all kids are learning in healthy, comfortable classroom environments

• Replace outdated portables with permanent classrooms designed to promote student health and performance (good indoor air quality, natural light and thermal comfort)

• Enhance visual access to the natural environment

• Invest in active recreation and sports facilities across Elementary, Middle and High School campuses

• Build and support healthy communities through partnerships with local community organizations

Ensure Financial and Operational Sustainability
 

• Create an asset management plan that ensures proper upkeep of facilities over time

• Seize opportunities for energy-efficient operations and systems

• Prioritize modernization and space ‘rightsizing’ opportunities before exploring new building projects

• Anticipate the existing and future impacts of climate change on district facilities and create smart strategies for heat abatement, sea level rise, and environmental events