Update December 7, 2018:
We want as many responses as possible! So, we are able to extend the deadline for completing the facility planning survey to 8:00 pm on Sunday, December 9.
Published November 26, 2018
The DeForest Area School District is seeking community input into their current facility planning process. In August, a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed to assess the district’s facility needs, evaluate enrollment growth, and develop recommendations for a long-range facilities plan to be presented to the Board of Education in January.
All residents who live within the DeForest Area School District’s boundaries are invited to complete a community-wide facilities survey to provide input into the facility planning process and possible referendum to fund new and renovated facilities and related operating costs.
SURVEY: www.dasdsurvey2018.org
According to DASD Superintendent Eric Runez, “Enrollment in our school district continues to steadily increase, due in part to strong economic growth and ongoing residential development. This creates some challenges, including long-term facility planning, to ensure our students have innovative and supportive learning spaces and top-notch facilities for our outstanding instructional and extra-curricular programs.”
The CAC has been meeting since August studying the condition of the district’s buildings, the capacity to handle the increased enrollment growth, and the adequacy of learning environments in the schools. District staff enlisted the help of an independent urban planner, MDRoffers Consulting LLC, for detailed student enrollment growth projections for each of the district’s six school buildings. Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) also conducted a comprehensive study of district facilities. With the help of staff from EUA and J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc., the CAC was able to develop and price a base plan for addressing physical space and capacity, building conditions and providing modern learning environments for effective instructional practices.
Through the survey the CAC is also gathering community feedback on a more comprehensive plan that would upgrade facilities throughout the District and could be added to the Base Plan. The additional projects could be addressed now, or postponed and possibly completed at some point in the future – but likely at a higher cost. The online survey asks for feedback on both options: the base plan and the more comprehensive plan.
Also included on the survey are questions relating to operating new facilities (to pay for heat and other utilities, maintenance, and staff), as well as potential support for additional funding to improve staffing levels, enhance programming, and increase supports for student needs throughout the district.
District staff are also hosting two informational meetings for residents to learn more about the planning process and possible solutions and to ask questions:
- Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6-7 pm at DeForest Area Public Library
- Monday, Dec. 3, 6-7 pm at Windsor Elementary School
“A postcard has been mailed to each household within the school district boundaries, asking residents to complete the survey and inviting them to attend one of the informational sessions,” said Debbie Brewster, School/Community Relations Coordinator. The survey will be open from November 26 to December 6, with results reported to the Community Advisory Committee on December 12. Residents wanting to complete a paper version of the survey may request a copy by calling (608) 842-6581 or emailing info@deforestschools.org. The feedback from residents will guide CAC members as they continue the planning process and eventual recommendation to the school board.
More information about the work of the CAC and the planning process is available on the school district’s website: www.deforestschools.org.
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