School Construction

Position Statements

• A/E Procurement
• Architects in Government
• Architectural Education
• Capitol Budgeting
• Codes and Standards
• Community
• Design of State Funded Transportation Systems
• Energy--Codes & Energy
• Equal Opportunity
• Historic Preservation
• Housing
• Insurance Regulation/Tort Reform
• Owner’s Project Representative
• Public Works Project Delivery
• Registration and Licensing
• Regulatory Reform
• School Construction
• Statute of Repose
• Sustainable Design
• Taxes
• Transportation

The Council believes that efficiency and quality in school design and construction are important goals. The concept of "modifiable basic plans", however, can be misleading as an assurance of efficiency and quality. We believe school building design should respond to program needs, changing technology, neighborhood and community character, and changing educational philosophies rather than following a predetermined plan.

The Council supports adequate state assistance for funding for school construction.

A stable form of funding needs to be implemented to supplement and/or replace dwindling timber revenues. State cost allowances need to be commensurate with real world experience and area allowances need to be commensurate with national standards.

Schools should be considered as a necessary service and subsequently expedited through the permitting process.

Reuse of existing historic structures should be encouraged to preserve the history and character of our communities.

The Council supports techniques that will improve the effectiveness of construction and operation of new school buildings. Multiple releases of funds for state assistance to local districts should be encouraged to reduce construction costs.

The Council also believes that school buildings that are properly planned from a sound program and designed to recognize the local characteristics of the school district, code environment, and the site provide the best long term investment of the Public's money.

The quality of education offered by a district is directly affected by the quality of permanent facilities available to the district. Many districts deal with inadequate housing for students because of failed bond elections, particularly in high-growth districts where portable buildings are almost a way of life. Because of this situation, we support legislation that would approve school district bonds by a simple majority vote, eliminating the sixty- percent majority and the forty- percent voter turnout requirements.

The Council supports the adoption of Sustainable Design Principles by school districts.