PLAN
2000
On Nov. 7, 2000 our community came together as one and pledged its overwhelming support for the Wake County Public School System. "The community supported the school bond in large part because all our employees had a clear understanding of PLAN 2000 and effectively communicated our needs to the public. I extend my thanks to each and every one of you for making this happen," said Ray Massey, associate superintendent for auxiliary services.
Now it's time to implement the ambitious plan that will address the tremendous needs facing our system - a system that will house over 112, 000 students in four years. With $500 million in school bonds and $50 million in pay-as-you-go funds, the WCPSS will build 14 new schools and renovate or expand 96 existing schools.
School growth is exploding and construction is booming - and not just in Wake County. Neighboring school systems are also planning bond referendums to finance their construction costs. The state's higher education bonds, also approved Nov. 7, include $3.1 billion worth of construction projects. This construction boom will dramatically raise the demand for construction workers across North Carolina as all groups compete for contractors.
"We hope to stay ahead of the curve," said Mike Burriss, assistant superintendent for facilities. By the time the state universities and community colleges get up to speed in 2002, the WCPSS will have completed four new schools, ten major renovation projects and $8 million of countywide maintenance work. In addition, land for nine of the 14 new school sites in PLAN 2000 has already been purchased or at least identified.
Exactly one week after the bond vote, school staff asked the board of education for a $370.6 million appropriation (of the $550 million total) for projects that will begin design or design and construction, in the next 12 months. This amount will cover total costs for 33 projects; including 12 new schools, major renovations and system-wide improvements. By asking for total project amounts, staff can go ahead and select designers and determine the schedule for bids, permits and construction.
The need for accountability came up throughout the bond campaign and will continue to be an important issue. "We worked hard to win the public's trust - now, we must work even harder to keep it. We want the community to see the good things we do, be familiar with our cost-saving practices and understand the codes and regulations we must abide by," said Burriss.
One accountability measure the WCPSS recently established is a 15-member citizens advisory committee. The School Construction Support Committee - comprised of local architects, engineers and construction professionals - will provide recommendations on ways to improve the school planning, design and construction process. The construction group will discuss topics such as design and construction contract language, options for owner-provided insurance programs, and innovative building methods to reduce construction costs.
As another accountability and money-saving measure, the WCPSS formed a small group of internal and County staff to study ways to optimize the construction and maintenance of school buildings. This group is also evaluating the feasibility of a Wake County Building Authority for County and WCPSS buildings.
"PLAN 2000 will not fix all our problems," said Massey. After all 14 new schools are built and the 96 renovations and improvements are complete, needs will still remain. Our system will continue to grow by more than 3,000 new students a year and our school buildings will continue to age. By 2010, the WCPSS will house approximately 130,000 students. Based on the Wake County Planning Department's enrollment projections and a needs assessment, the County has tentatively agreed on a $425 million bond referendum for 2004.
| 14 New Schools* | |||
|
2002
|
2003
|
2004
|
|
| 1 Special/Optional |
0
|
1
|
0
|
| 8 Elementary |
2
|
4
|
2
|
| 4 Middle |
2
|
1
|
1
|
| 1 High |
0
|
0
|
1
|
| TOTAL |
4
|
6
|
4
|
| 32 Major Renovations |
10
|
10
|
12
|
| (Plus 64 systemwide improvements) | |||
*Financed through an earlier building program, Middle Creek High will open in 2001/2002 with Athens Drive students and Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle will open in 2002/2003.
PLAN 2000 Project Summary By School