Introduction to the Rochester City School District Facilities

Introduction to the Rochester City School District Facilities Modernization Program Browncroft Neighborhood Association October 11, 2006

Needs and Opportunities • Instructional facilities average 61 years of age • Sub-optimal for 21 st Century teaching & learning • Inter- and Intra-District inequities • Replacement value of facilities is $1. 6 B – Minimum recommended annual investment to maintain status quo is $23. 6 M – Current annual investment is $22. 5 M

Needs and Opportunities (continued) • Inflation in construction greatly outpaces general inflation • Precedents in Buffalo and Syracuse • NYS Education Department reimburses districts up to 98% of allowable expenses • NYSED reimbursement schedule follows debt amortization schedule

Proposed Response • Undertake a comprehensive building modernization program addressing all District instructional facilities (while continuing ongoing “maintenance of effort”)

Critical Barriers • Access to capital – Rochester is a “dependent” school district – State and local constraints on borrowing – Use of cash is problematic • Provision of “local share” funds – Min. 2%, up to est. 20% • “Swing space” to permit year-round construction at selected sites

Solution • Enabling State legislation – Access to capital through alternative borrowing channels • COMIDA, DASNY, Municipal Bond Bank – “Lock in” NYSED reimbursement rate – State Aid intercept mechanism to guarantee bonds • Bi-partisan sponsorship support from local delegation – Senator Robach – Assemblyman Gantt

Current State • Completed conceptual design and scoping – – “School of the Future” criteria developed and incorporated Three 5 -year phases $823 Million Informed by enrollment declines • Updating cost estimates, schedules, sequencing – $1. 2 Billion (? ) • Enlisting community partners • Introduce legislation Fall 2006 / January 2007

School of the Future Criteria • Increase classroom sizes • Improve Acoustics • Improve Air Quality / Thermal Environment • Add Kitchens to Elementary Schools • Provide Dedicated Libraries, Gyms, Cafeterias, and Performance Spaces • Add Pre-K Space • Improve Site Safety / Traffic Flow • Add Community Use Space • Increase Outdoor Site Size • Eliminate Basement Classrooms • Improve Entry Areas • Improve Athletic Facilities • Increase Number of Health Clinics • Provide Teaching Centers • Increase Daylighting • Incorporate Sustainable Design

Other Significant Elements • • Community / economic development catalyst Communication & community engagement Governing board Program delivery model – Program Manager requirement • W/MBE and Affirmative Action • Wicks Law exemption / Project Labor Agreement • Hire / buy locally – Apprenticeship programs