NCEFP Conference

"Strong schools play an integral part in building a vibrant community that is economically healthy and socially diverse," said Burriss. "This conference was a combination of business leaders and school planning communities working together to discuss the impact educational facilities have on the community."

The two day conference held on February 14 and 15 at the Raleigh Sheraton included remarks from N.C Department of Public Instruction's chief of school planning, and presentations from several of the state's leaders in the area of school construction. More than 130 people participated in a series of workshops and breakout sessions focusing on topics like what makes a vibrant community and how to develop comprehensive plans that generate strong schools and communities.

"One of the things we discussed in our group was how to effectively relay information about our system's educational needs to a city planner as they develop their long range comprehensive plans. And then how we share that information with the business community so that they know what's coming in the future and can help to attract the very best businesses in the country to relocate here."

The Wake County Public School System has a history of reaching out to the business community as it builds strong schools which meet the needs of students and serve as valuable resources to the public. Moore Square, the 660 student magnet middle school which opened in 2002, is just one example. Its unique features include the collaboration and interaction with area museums and professionals, an accessible yet safe campus, double-use of public streets as carpools and bus turn lanes, and its urban storefront design.

Several WCPSS staff attended the NCEFP conference. Presentations were given by Christiana Lighthall, WCPSS Senior Director of Long Range Planning, and Mike Burriss, involving Harvey Schmidt, President of the Greater Raleigh Area Chamber of Commerce and Mitch Silver, City of Raleigh Planning Director.

NCEFP is part of a national organization called the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI), an organization comprised of professional architects, planners, engineers, K-12 administrators, higher education professors, construction management and firms who are actively involved in the various phases of school planning.