Question 1

How did this proposal come about?

Accepted Answer

Okemos Public Schools is committed to a process for ongoing evaluation and monitoring of all school facilities. Continually evaluating and monitoring school facilities helps to protect academic excellence. 
 
During the early fall of 2021, working with construction, technology, and architectural specialists, the school district completed an in-depth facility study. The study identified districtwide facility needs and has helped inform the proposed direction of the bond proposal.  If interested, the study is available on the district's website at: www.okemosk12.net.(http://www.okemosk12.net/)

We also administered multiple surveys and public forums to understand the perceptions of citizens regarding a potential bond. The common feedback from parents and community members was that our facilities were “run-down” and not reflective of a district that values public education. Lastly, this information was brought before a Steering Committee of over 20 Okemos community representatives to build consensus around a final bond scope recommendation. The Board of Education eventually approved this recommendation which led us to the proposal that you see today. Learn more about this process in our Summary of Recommendation document.

Our goal was to ensure community engagement in the decision-making process. This proposal reflects a first step in the district’s master plan for facility improvements.

Question 2

What are the main goals of the proposed bond scope?

Accepted Answer

Safety and Security – the safety and security of our students and staff is the highest priority.  Peace of mind in the classroom allows for a more comfortable learning experience. Projects in the bond include greater control of our building entries. Redesigning our site drop-off and pick-up areas will focus on better traffic flow and creating a separation of parents, buses, and pedestrians.
 
Exceptional Educational Environments – as educational trends continue to change and evolve, our facilities need to be flexible and relevant to best support best practices in teaching and learning. State-of-the-art educational environments that are comfortable will help our students to be prepared for careers of the future.
 
Energy Efficiency / Operational Costs-Upgrades - our boilers, building controls, and mechanical systems will be designed for greater energy efficiency to reduce energy consumption. As we look at replacing significant amounts of our building roofs, additional insulation will be added to comply with current energy codes that would provide a higher-performing building exterior. Energy savings allow the district to divert funding from operational costs toward items that directly impact education.

Question 3

How will the community be involved in design and facility planning following a successful election?

Accepted Answer

Upon a successful election, many stakeholders, including staff and students will be engaged to define further and develop the designs of the proposed projects. We also plan to host a community forum and receive input from the community to help shape the potential designs.

Question 4

What is the schedule for completing bond proposal projects?

Accepted Answer

A preliminary draft of the implementation of the bond projects looks as follows. This schedule is subject to change as market conditions evolve and further reviews of the district's highest priorities are finalized.

The first major scope item is the replacement of Chippewa. The design process for that size of a facility will take a little longer than a year and we anticipate bidding for Chippewa will occur in the spring of 2024. In the meantime, some smaller scope items can be designed and bid sooner. We anticipate scope items like secure vestibules at Edgewood, Bennett Woods, and Central Montessori will occur during the summer of 2023. In addition to the new construction of Chippewa commencing in the summer of 2024, other projects beginning on that timeline will likely include improvements to Hiawatha and the High School.

Improvements to the High School will occur in several phases.  Secure entry vestibule and main office renovations will likely occur in the summer of 2024. Additions to support a cafeteria and kitchen expansion along with an addition to the performing arts wing will occur starting in the summer of 2026 and will likely be completed by the fall semester of 2027. New high school athletic facilities for tennis, baseball, and softball will be part of the improvements made on the existing Chippewa campus and will likely be ready by the end of 2026.

Following the completion of new Chippewa in the summer of 2026, space will be available to temporarily relocate the Cornell population into the original section of Chippewa and allow for the demolition of existing Cornell to commence in the summer of 2026. New Cornell will likely be online in time for the fall semester to begin in 2028.

During the summer of 2028, the original section of Chippewa will be done serving as swing space and can be removed for the start of the new Kinawa facility that will connect to and share an auditorium with the new Chippewa facility. It is antincipated that the new Kinawa facility will be online for classes by the fall semester of 2030.

Upon completion of new Kinawa the original Kinawa building will see partial demolition of unneeded spaces and the renovation of other areas to welcome district administration, operations, and technology offices. An area within the original Kinawa will also be renovated to receive the Meridian Township Senior Center.

Other improvements include renovations to the transportation facility that will likely occur during 2027.

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Question 5

Why aren’t all of the projects being completed on the same timeline?

Accepted Answer

The amount of work being proposed in the bond proposal is significant.  As such, our Construction Management partners believe it to be the best practice to stagger the implementation of the projects. This allows for greater contractor participation and would not overstress the construction market that currently is struggling with labor availability. Greater participation of bidders means greater competition and hopefully better bid results that will benefit the school district.

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