6 Key Takeaways from the School District's Architect (Rebuild@Rundlett)

Last night, we attended the Capital Facilities meeting to hear the presentation by the District’s lead architect on the middle school project. Here are 6 crucial takeaways based on the presentation:

1) IT'S NOT TOO LATE - IT’S THE PERFECT TIME!

It's not "too late" to rebuild the middle school at Rundlett. In fact, the District's architects were asked to develop concepts for BOTH sites including cost estimates. Last night, the architect confirmed that the Rundlett site is 100% "viable" and showed site plans for both sites.

2) NO IMPACT ON TIMELINE

The projected timeframe for the new middle school opening is the SAME for both site options. Choosing between the CenterPoint site and the existing site will NOT slow down the rebuild process. The School Board recognizes that the public has the wrong impression that the CenterPoint plan is well under way, when in fact, the plan is still in early stages.

3) THE SCHOOL BUILDING DESIGN IS THE SAME ON EITHER SITE

The architect's concepts assume the SAME building design for both sites. There is nothing bigger, or better, or fancier in the design of the CenterPoint location or vice versa - the design concepts are the same for both sites.

4) MINIMAL STUDENT DISRUPTION

The architect stated that NONE of the existing Rundlett building needs to be touched during construction at the Rundlett site. Students will have normal, everyday use of the Rundlett building. ZERO portable classrooms are needed - thus none of the associated costs. The plan includes appropriate setbacks to abutters. Conveniently, the current gymnasium and Activity Room are positioned to buffer any construction vibrations.

5) BIG ENOUGH PROPERTY SIZE

The existing Rundlett site consists of TWICE as much property than previously stated to the public by the District. The architect stated that there is plenty of room for the rebuild on the existing site, in fact, she stated "we have built on tighter sites". There is green space available on campus for students during the rebuild and a School Board member reminded everyone that Rollins Park is directly across the street.

6) LOWER COST

While costs for both projects are estimated to be roughly equivalent, the architect mentioned that the CenterPoint plan would cost an extra 2 million dollars due to various factors. See cost slides below.

NEXT STEPS:

• EMAIL THE SCHOOL BOARD - here’s a template but try also to personalize your email!

• ATTEND & TESTIFY AT THE JUNE 21st PUBLIC HEARING - we need to show up in full force - please RSVP!

• PUT UP A YARD SIGN (more signs are available after 5pm today 6/17 (at the same pick up location). Email rebuildatrundlett@gmail.com for pick up location or if you need one delivered!

Gratefully,

The R@R Team