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Why a new school and not a renovation?
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A new school not only brings the building up-to-date, but allows
for future flexibility in curriculum, technology, and teaching methods. Building “Green” will
reduce operational costs. It provides a more functional layout and improved
circulation (reduced travel time = more time in the classroom). Fewer
"surprises" are encountered during new construction versus renovation, and new
provides a longer useful life. Finally, the cost difference between new
and major renovation was too close to warrant major renovation when considering
the 50 year life span of the building.
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Why is "Green Design" important to Upper Dublin?
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Energy-efficient school design lowers operation costs, increases
test scores and improves indoor air quality. If all new school
construction and school renovations were designed to be environmentally
conscious starting today, energy savings alone would total $20 billion over the
next 10 years. Major benefits documented in
Greening America's Schools, a national report co-sponsored by the
American Institute of Architects include:
• Green schools use an average of 33% less energy and 32% less water than
conventional schools
• Green schools typically have better lighting, temperature control, improved
ventilation and indoor air-quality which contribute to reduced asthma, colds,
flu and absenteeism
• A study of Chicago and Washington, D.C. schools found that better facilities
can add 3 to 4 percentage points to a school’s standardized test scores
Our community has already taken a leadership role in Pennsylvania
with Upper Dublin Township's Clean Energy Initiative. A NEW High School will expand on this commitment to clean and
renewable energy. Technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling, a
100% renewable energy source, plus the ability to design the entire building using energy-efficient technologies and
materials, will result
in substantial energy cost savings.
www.geothermal.org/what.html
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What is the tax difference between the new and renovate options?
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The tax difference (for average homeowner) is $60 more for new option versus major
renovation.
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New School |
Major Renovation |
Partial
Renovation |
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Cost (millions) |
$119.2 |
$108.8 |
$70+ future
renovations
necessary |
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Tax Impact* |
$601/yr |
$541/yr |
$385/yr + more
to come! |
* The calculation shown is for
the average home in Upper Dublin, assessed at $190,000 (market value of
approx.$400,000). These costs would initially be phased in from years 1 through
5 (for a cumulative total of $601*). The total would then be a fixed
annual cost for each year thereafter. To see your specific tax impact, find your
recently mailed tax bill, visit the
Upper Dublin School District website to use the tax calculator
and input your assessed value.
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What does a NO vote mean?
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If you think it means no tax increase you are wrong! A no
vote means no to building a new school, but taxes will increase by at least
$385/year (for average homeowner) because the District has authority to borrow
$70 million without voter approval.
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It doesn't stop here...patch the High School for $70-100 million
and additional renovations will be needed later.
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Pay 8-12% more each year due to escalating construction costs
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High School needs will be addressed as they reach crisis
stages...taxes will increase anyway.
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Possible second referendum resulting in higher cost for less
school
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Continued lack of adequate security, less efficient systems and
the same sprawling layout
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How will building a new High School affect my property value?
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Having a long range District Facilities plan that includes
building a new High School will have a positive impact on the market value of
your home.
Property value is affected by many aspects of the community or region evaluated.
It is generally agreed that Upper Dublin is a nice place to live with nice
homes, parks, low crime rates, convenience to transportation, fair taxes and
good educational offerings. Similar statements describe many surrounding
townships in Montgomery and other counties in the Philadelphia region.
Real estate value is determined by the perceived worth to the buyer...many
families will seek the qualities listed above when searching for a new home,
just as others will pay a premium to live in an urban setting, such as
Manhattan, or possibly a golf course or shore community.
One factor, however, that stands out universally for suburban communities is the
correlation of a municipality's public schools to the market value of its home
properties. The focus on this topic by major regional publications,
including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Montgomery Newspapers and Philadelphia
Magazine, in multiple issues throughout the year confirms the emphasis of this
factor in the Philadelphia region real estate market.
Al Mansell, President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) sums it up
in his forward to the 2005 NAR publication
Public Schools: A TOOLKIT FOR REALTORS: "How are the schools? It’s a simple
question but it tells you a lot. It tells you what’s on a homebuyer’s mind as
they size up a home, a neighborhood, a community. The answer tells you even
more. It tells you whether property values are stable or weak. It tells you that
the area’s children will be safe and protected, or at risk. It tells you about
the values shared by the residents of the community, what they expect of their
children, of themselves, of their neighbors, of their government. The answer
also sends a signal to potential investors in the business life of a
community—either a green light, or a red flag. So, schools are like the canary
in the mineshaft, an indicator that things are either fine or headed downhill
fast."
The NAR report continues, outlining the following:
"How are the
schools?" may be the most common question by realtors and the answer plays a
role in virtually every residential real estate decision in the United States.
Every realtor knows what
surveys and studies confirm: The quality of public schools
influences where people buy a home and what they pay for it.
Regardless of whether they have children, buyers care about the
reputation of the local schools because they know that schools
directly affect a community's vitality as well as a home's resale
value.
"The old adage is that realtors sell
location, location, location," says Mike Theo, vice-president of public affairs
for the Wisconsin Realtors Association. "But the key to location is the
neighborhood, and specifically, the schools associated with that neighborhood."
For realtors, selling homes often
means selling good schools. A recent National Association of Realtors survey
showed that Americans rank quality of public schools second only to crime when
deciding where to live. Poorly performing schools can limit the desirability of
even the best housing stock, while great schools can attract new life into the
worst neighborhoods. Communities cannot thrive without attracting and keeping
families who want good public schools for their children because no matter how
magnificent the homes, residents will stop sending their children to
underperforming schools when better public schools are nearby. And that makes
public education a critical issue for realtors.
A well-run school provides an environment conducive
to learning and brings out the best in both students and teachers. It involves
hiring well-qualified, motivated teachers who enjoy teaching and support
students’ ability to develop to their full potential. Quality schools offer a
clean and safe environment and provide updated facilities and equipment."
Following up on the last point of the above reference, research shows
that school environment is a major factor affecting student performance.
In a Congressional briefing, Jefferey Lackney states, "There is now considerable
empirical support for the argument that a variety of sustainable design
characteristics that can have a significant influence on student behavior and
academic achievement."1 Multiple studies have addressed this
topic, and have shown that students in modern buildings will score significantly
higher than students in an older, unimproved facility2 and that
significant relationships for facility measurements typically explain about 10
to 15 percent of the differences in scores across schools (when the influences
of other variables are statistically controlled).3
1.
The Relationship between Environmental Quality of School Facilities and Student
Performance Presented by Jeffery A. Lackney, Ph.D., A.I.A. Thursday,
September 23, 1999 As part of a Congressional Briefing to the U.S. House of
Representatives Committee on Science Sponsored by the Environmental Energy Study
Institute (EESI) Energy Smart Schools: Opportunities to Save Money, Save Energy
and Improve Student Performance
2. Bowers,J.H. and Burkett, C.W. (1989) Effects of physical and school
environment on students and faculty. Educational Facility Planner 27(1):28-29.
3. Lewis, M.G. (2000) ED 459 593 Facility Condition and Student Test Performance
in Milwaukee Public Schools. Scottsdale, Arizona. Council of
Educational Facility Planners, International
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What about the other schools that need repairs?
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Decades of patching and repairing has resulted in a major
facilities concern for the Upper Dublin School District. The Facilities
Task Force, after almost two intensive years of study, overwhelmingly determined
that the High School building has the most pressing needs in the District and
must be addressed as a priority. High school curriculum is
facility-driven...the state of the current UDHS has put Upper Dublin's students
and fantastic educational reputation at risk.
The Task Force findings indicated that emergent priorities (roofs, windows, HVAC
systems, security issues) had to be addressed at the elementary schools and
Middle School first...before the High School. The School Board has
approved $7.5 million for emergent priorities at all other schools... this money
will be going to work this summer and includes a technology infusion at Sandy
Rum Middle School.
The District has outlined a long-range facilities plan with 3
phases:
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Phase 1 $7.5 million has already been approved to address deficiencies in
all schools such as roofs, windows, HVAC, security,
etc.
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Phase 2 covers the
current options for the High School.
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Phase 3 involves remaining priorities such as upgrades at SRMS,
modernization requirements in all elementary schools, and possible air
conditioning for all buildings.
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What about that $80 million renovation "Scheme X?"
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"Scheme X" does not meet the District's Educational Model. It
has a larger footprint than the current high
school, contains less overall square footage and still results in a projected
tax increase of around $400 for the average homeowner. "Scheme X" would commit the District to the current sprawling layout for the next two generations
and would require additional expenditures in the future.
click here for a Task Force member's view of the $80 million "Scheme X"
concept
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What exactly is the “Educational Model”?
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The Educational Model was developed by the Facilities Task Force
and Administration as a framework for the UDHS building design. This involves a
detailed listing of the square footage needed to meet demands of the current
curriculum and allow for future flexibility. The Model includes: larger
classrooms, major upgrades in technology, and greatly enhanced facilities for
science, music, art, health and physical education.
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Which plans meet the Educational Model?
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Both the new and major renovation designs meet the model. Other
options, ranging from $50 to $80 million, do not provide adequate
space/configuration, and will confine the building footprint to the current
inefficient, sprawling layout for at least the next two generations.
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What happens if the referendum fails?
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Will construction delays really cost $1 million per month ?
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I've heard references to the "Taj Mahal." What's that all about?
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Comparisons actually show that the new High School design by Gilbert
Architects will cost less per
 square
foot, adjusted for construction cost inflation, than analogous new school
buildings and renovation projects completed over the last 10 years in
Pennsylvania. A Taj Mahal? Absolutely Not!
The current design will deliver a well-structured, modern,
energy-efficient building that will meet Upper Dublin School District's
Educational Model and finally provide a facility to meet Upper Dublin's needs
for the next 50 years. Planning for the future: the option before the
community is the forward-thinking result of a two-year District-wide
evaluation by teachers, residents, education consultants, architects plus
the School Board, Administration and Staff.
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Why can't UDHS be renovated like Philadelphia's 100-year-old Masterman High
School?
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While academic reference to Julia R. Masterman High
Sc hool in Philadelphia has merit, the architectural analogy between the current
Upper Dublin High School and this 100-year-old historic monument is unfounded.
Parallel logic would be "Why tear down and replace the old Amtrak building in
the Fort Washington Office Park? The historic Bourse Building in Philadelphia was
over 100 years old when it was restored in 1980 for only $20 million?"
www.masterman.phila.k12.pa.us
www.bourse-pa.com/bourse_history.htm
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How will construction affect the kids?
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Particular attention will be paid to minimize the impact to the
students and the educational program during construction. Major construction
work will be concentrated outside of the areas of instruction. Temporary
classroom relocation, asbestos abatement and as much demolition as possible will
be done during the summer months and other periods when school is not in
session. Air quality will be monitored throughout the entire process. As parts
of the new school are complete, they would be opened for student use over the
course of the construction period.
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What is the phasing plan for construction?
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2008-09 school year - the new athletic wing would be constructed
where the bus depot is currently located, thereby maintaining the existing
school facilities as is for the first year of construction. The new athletic
wing, including new gymnasiums, weight and fitness rooms, pool, locker rooms,
cafeteria and a new mechanical room to handle the entire new building, will be
available for use in the Fall of 2009.
Summer 2009 - relocate the existing modular classrooms and
include additional modular classrooms in the back of the building to link the
East classroom wing to the new addition. These classrooms will be air
conditioned and in use for the 2009-10 school year and the Fall semester of
2010. Demolition of the West classroom wing will begin.
2009 to December 2010 - Construction to include the new
two story classroom wings, the administration areas and media center. This
center section will be available for use for the Spring semester of 2011.
January 2011 to December 2011 - Demolition of the existing
East classroom wing, with the exception of the existing auditorium and library,
to construct the new auditorium and the applied arts programs. Once the final
section is complete and occupied, the remaining portions of the existing
building will be demolished and the site work will be completed by December
2011.
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What is a natatorium?
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A natatorium, simply, is a separate building containing a
swimming pool.
While the Educational Model on which the new high school is based focuses on
facility improvements in academic areas, it also provides for a number of
significant programmatic upgrades, especially in the area of athletic
facilities, music, theater, and arts. These programs are critical elements
of the student experience at Upper Dublin High School and help to develop not
only well educated but well-rounded young adults.
For many years, our athletic and artistic facilities have been limited by space
constraints and deteriorating conditions. With a new high school, we have the
opportunity to address all of these deficiencies and provide students with the
optimum conditions in which to perform, compete and excel in their various
creative and athletic capacities.
The School District of Upper Dublin has a long history of making its facilities
available for use by the community, and the new facilities are being designed
with this intent, particularly in regard to the gymnasiums and swimming pool.
In addition, expanded, adjacent parking will be provided to support these
facilities.
The School District of Upper Dublin also has a long and positive history in
terms of its partnerships with the UDJAA, UDAC, UDSC, the Upper Dublin Township
Parks & Recreation Department, and other local organizations that help provide
opportunities for youth involvement in different athletic activities.
click here for details:
Upper Dublin School District "Focus on Sports" (Adobe
PDF file)
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Why would we want to tear down the UDHS auditorium?
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While the Educational Model on which the new high school is based
focuses on facility improvements in academic areas, it also provides for a
number of significant programmatic upgrades, especially in the area of music,
theatre, and the arts. These programs are critical elements of the student
experience at Upper Dublin High School and help to develop not only
well-educated but well-rounded young adults.
For many years, our art, music and theater programs have been limited by space
constraints and deteriorating conditions. These deficiencies are reflected most
significantly in the lack of rehearsal space in orchestra and chorus and
specialized spaces to support the theatre arts. In addition, the lack of
technology throughout the building has inhibited instruction and program
development in the arts and related areas. With a new high school, we have the
opportunity to address all of these deficiencies and provide students with the
optimum conditions in which to perform, compete and excel in their various
creative capacities. In addition, expanded, adjacent parking will provide
for better use of all facilities.
The School District of Upper Dublin has established a reputation for excellence
in the arts as evidenced by its very strong music program (band, orchestra, and
chorus), outstanding arts instruction, and a high school theatre program that
has come to be recognized as one of the finest in the region and across the
state. Student exposure to the arts represents not only an important part of the
school curriculum, but also represents an opportunity for student participation
in a variety of co-curricular activities. These opportunities for students can
add immensely to their school experience, and can provide reinforcement of
interests and skills that can contribute significantly to college acceptances,
scholarships, and, for some, careers in the arts.
Highlights of art program facilities as proposed in a new UD High School
include:
• New auditorium with enhanced acoustics, greater technology and lighting, and
other ancillary features (dressing rooms, catwalks, lighting and sound booths,
storage, etc.) to support music and theater performances, other special events,
and student assembly programs.
• Significantly improved and expanded rehearsal and classroom facilities for
band, chorus, and orchestra. layout of the auditorium and art wing of the new
high school.
• “Black Box” theatre to allow for further expansion of the District’s
outstanding Theatre and Arts Programs
• Broadcasting and Recording Room to allow better support of the District’s
current television program and to provide expanded opportunities for students
interested in this medium.
click here for details:
Upper Dublin School District "Focus on Arts" (Adobe PDF file)
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