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To achieve the vision that has been articulated, in the first three sections of this report, our schools must be replaced and the effort to do this must start immediately. [Relates to Guiding Principles #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7]
It is estimated to cost in excess of $200 million to remodel all schools and remodeling will not achieve the vision of the Facilities Task Group. We have tried major remodeling and it has failed.
- Currently only one District school approaches our vision and that is Gilham. Two thirds of the school is a new addition that was completed in September 1994. The other one third of the school is one of the newer (built in the mid-1960s) and was partially remodelled in 1994.
- Most District schools are beyond their reasonably expected life. Consider the following:
- The average effective age of District school buildings is 38 years, when adjusted to reflect additions to the original. The average age of the original construction is 46 years. In most cases the basic plan and organization of the buildings is reflective of the age of the original construction.
- Most buildings were built at relatively low cost, with materials and systems that were not designed to last more than 40 years. Ten dollars a square foot was considered the standard for District schools constructed in the 1960s.
- More and more building systems are failing. Many of these, such as mechanical and electrical systems, are hidden from view and give little warning of pending failure.
- Codes and current practices are different from when the buildings were first designed. Examples are seismic, ADA, ventilation, energy conservation, electrical wiring, plumbing, daylighting, mechanical and power systems, etc.
- Seismic and structural codes 35 years ago did not consider the significant potential for seismic activity in the Willamette Valley. As a result and by today's codes, walls were not sufficiently tied to foundations, roofs were not tied to walls, and structures were not adequately braced to withstand lateral loads and uplift forces.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act has revolutionized the way in which we now consider public buildings and accessibility for those with disabilities. Not one of our buildings was designed with those issues in mind.
- Codes currently reflect modern thinking about the importance of ventilation and adequate fresh air in public spaces. Most of our buildings fall short of meeting current healthy-environment standards.
- The most dramatic recent change affecting our school buildings has been the advent of electronic technology. We currently do not have the electrical service, distribution system or outlets to provide adequate power for the new technology needs, such as computers, printers, scanners, fax and copy machines, within our schools. Although all schools have been wired and are connected for electronic data transfer, the number of data outlets is already insufficient.
- School building use has changed considerably in the last 40 years. School have become year-round facilities, used for an increasing variety of community functions and activities. The student population has changed considerably with the integration of children with a range of special needs.
- In most cases it is not possible and/or cost-effective to renovate the buildings. Consider the following:
- In many cases it is simply not possible to effect the appropriate changes through remodeling. Basic relationships cannot be changed, classrooms cannot be increased in size to meet the needs of larger classes and the related technology necessary for today's instruction. Gymnasiums and cafeterias cannot be enlarged without great difficulty.
- Personal safety and security were not issues 40 years ago. They are now and, due to the sprawling layout of many of the District schools, it is not possible to make them safe by current standards. We expect this to be an even greater concern in the future.
- Some remodeling, although possible, is cost-prohibitive or, at best, extremely expensive.
- Replacement of schools is more cost-effective and supportive of the District instructional goals than is continued long-term repair.
- Replacing schools will result in better, healthier and safer environments for our children.
- The savings on maintenance and utilities on replacement schools is estimated at over $1 million a year. This savings will be realized in the general fund and would be available for instruction and other services directly affecting children.
- School consolidation and replacement with fewer schools of somewhat larger size (primarily elementary schools) will result in savings on staffing. Combining two elementary schools into one would result in a savings estimated at $250,000 per year. This amounts to $12,500,000, in today's dollars. Combining eight smaller elementary schools into four larger schools will result in a staffing savings of $50 million over 50 years.
- New school design can respond far better to instructional, community and security needs.
Given the magnitude of these issues, it is imperative that the public be made aware of all critical capital needs.
In light of current restrictions on elections for money measures under Oregon law, a Bond Proposal should be placed on the ballot in November 2000.
3/3/2000
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