After a 14-month pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) convened Tuesday to continue the master planning process that began in 2019, according to a recent press release submitted by the School District of Fort Atkinson.
As stated in the release: “At the Tuesday night meeting, the committee reviewed what has and has not changed within learning communities globally, the local community, and the School District of Fort Atkinson’s new developing strategic plan. After a refresh of the work previously done by the group was discussed, the three narrowed options for (building construction under) consideration were reviewed as part of the next steps of the planning process.”
Three options
The three options under review, as outlined within Tuesday’s presentation, include:
• Building a new grades 6-8 middle school at the Luther site. The option comes at an estimated cost of between $108 million and $112 million.
• Modernizing elementary schools and building a new middle school. The option comes with an estimated cost of between $115 million and $119 million.
• Constructing two 4K-8 grade buildings, one at the Luther site and one near the high school. The option comes with an estimated cost of between $129 million and $133 million.
“Committee members were tasked with evaluating each of the three options with respect to the charge of the FAC, what we have experienced over the last year and what makes most sense long term for the community. This feedback will be discussed at the next FAC meeting on May 25th from 6-8 p.m. The presentation, options, agendas, and livestream link can be found on the district website,” the release continued.
Some history
According to the release: The Board of Education approved the Charter and Charge of a Facilities Advisory Committee for the 2019-2020 school year at the August 15, 2019 Board of Education meeting. The FAC is charged with developing a master plan that will guide the investment into district facilities to support future academic programs and create safe, healthy and vibrant learning environments. The livestream link of the event can be found on the district’s YouTube channel, the release continued.
The committee first met in September of 2019 to explore all short and long-term solutions based on the Facilities Assessment Report that was completed on April 24, 2019, which outlines the deferred maintenance needs completed by educational facility consultants CG Schmidt (CGS), and Plunkett Raysich Architects (PRA).
The FAC is composed of volunteers from all areas of the community, including students, community members, parents, business members, and SDFA team members. This group is open for public attendance.
The above slide presented during Tuesday’s Facilities Advisory Committee meeting outlines construction plans associated with building a new middle school.
The above slide presented during Tuesday’s Facilities Advisory Committee meeting outlines construction plans associated with modernizing the district’s elementary schools and building a new middle school.
The above slide presented during Tuesday’s Facilities Advisory Committee meeting outlines construction plans associated with building two new grades 4K-8 buildings.
The full meeting of the district’s Facilities Advisory Committee is posted above.
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