The age and conditions of school facilities across Vermont have recently gained the attention of state leaders. On August 26th at the MTSD Facilities and Finance Committee meeting, I provided the MTSD Board of Trustees with an overview of new legislation pertaining to school facilities. You can read the full report here - Facility Legislative Report: August 2021.
In anticipation of both legislative activity and potential funding opportunities related to school facilities, the MTSD Board of Trustees have contracted with TruexCullins of Burlington to conduct a facilities master planning process. In part, TruexCullins was selected because they embrace a whole child philosophy to facility design. For them, this means creating schools that foster learning, wellness and engagement. “At TruexCullins, we create high performance schools that optimize daylighting, indoor air quality and energy efficient strategies. We translate our client’s 21st century learning goals into vibrant learning environments aligned with school pedagogy.” This fully aligns with the MTSD Vision of Learning.
TruexCullins uses a 3-phase approach in Master Planning:
- Facility Evaluation - this is an assessment of the ‘guts’ of our buildings and site systems. This work is already completed. As a result, the MTSD will receive a comprehensive report, recommendations for upgrades, and costs for the work.
- Visioning - this will serve to develop an understanding of the critical goals for the project and help articulate the type of space needed to provide a healthy and vibrant learning environment.
- Concept Design - this will be a set of options to make the vision a reality. It includes estimated costs for this work and combines it with the facility evaluation.
Phase 2 - Visioning is about to begin, and we need your help. The MTSD is an extension of the Milton community. If children are thriving, then so is the community. Our schools should be a reflection of the values and needs of the community. The MTSD will host two identical community visioning events facilitated by the TruexCullins team.
SAVE THE DATE - These events are identical - so you only need to attend one. Dinner will be provided for attendees beginning at 5:15 p.m. More details to follow. Additional details and a RSVP will be sent in early October.
October 18, 2021 at Herrick Avenue from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m
October 25, 2021 at Milton High School from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m