School Facility Planning and Development

Catalog description

This course will examine the leadership role of the school business administrator in facility planning, renovation, and expansion. The essential linkage between guiding principles, existing and proposed facilities, and the implementation of the total educational program is considered from both theoretical constructs and practical applications. Major topics of study will include: the development and revision of long-range facility plans; the role of the state Economic Development Authority; the critical review of state proposed "model" school buildings; and, the process of drafting educational specifications. In addition, required site plan reviews by state and local officials; the referendum approval process; and, the integral role of professional services (public opinion consultants, attorneys, demographers, architects, financial consultants, public information agencies, etc.) will be discussed. Students will evaluate geographic, socio-political, financial, and ecological considerations in proposed school construction. Planning for new and emerging technology, addressing health, safety, and security considerations, ensuring barrier-free access, incorporating energy conservation measures, and the utilization of school buildings by the greater community will be overarching themes developed. Students will demonstrate course understandings through actual classroom and school applications that are referenced to state adopted core curriculum content standards and professional development standards, the Standards for School Leaders of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium, and the candidate proficiencies developed by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council.