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The smart planning approach to the educational facilities plan should be applied to all facilities districtwide. The perception and reality of "have" vs. "have not" schools may otherwise derail effective decision-making. The smart planning objectives test each priority and decision in terms of adding value to the facility and in extending the educational experience, demonstrating how each school complies with the core model program.
The following methodologies underlie the smart planning approach to the educational facilities plan:
By virtue of the smart planning methodologies described above, as well as clearly stated objectives and comprehensive findings, the educational facilities plan functions as an easily understood roadmap to launching a successful bond referendum. Because the plan reflects district demographics, the core model program and a probable budget summary, a higher degree of certainty can be attached to any proposed bond issue. Simply put, voters have greater assurance that bond funding will achieve what the district has promised.
The paradigm must fundamentally shift from the old one of forcing educational delivery within functionally obsolete existing facilities to a new one: dynamic schools that enhance student-centered learning. The educational facilities plan approach allows administrators to examine how school facilities actually support educational goals within a preferred learning context, as well as addressing future flexibility.
Experience shows the traditional approach constrains districts and architects to adopt a paradigm of programming a building, rather than building to a program. The profound shift to the smart planning approach to the educational facilities plan document clearly identifies dysfunctional facilities that institutionalize a mentality of isolated academic silos — an approach that is out of sync with access to knowledge in today's digital information marketplace.
Smart planning provides a strategic view of the district's core values, educational and facility benchmarks, demographic trends and specific core model aspirations. Building concepts to validate the test-fit potential are developed only after such visioning and listening.
Most importantly, the smart planning approach best assures the collaborative fusion of teaching, higher-level thinking, learning and mastery for student success. The scope of a project and its associated budget is determined in a justifiable and transparent manner. The district's policy advocates, educational leadership, and parent and stakeholder groups gain a greater degree of confidence that the best ideas are realistic and achievable. The key goal at each step is to make wise investments that promise all students an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Roland A. Coleman, II, is principal with Cannon Design in Buffalo, N.Y. He can be reached at rcoleman@cannondesign.com.