FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2004
Media Contact: Cheri Reese, Executive Director of Public Affairs, 612-668-0230
Planning team to assist Minneapolis Public Schools with Future
Facilities UseEfforts coordinated with community engagement
Minneapolis, Minn.--The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has selected a professional planning team to independently review district facilities and enrollment data and assist in the development of multiple scenarios for future use of school buildings.
The selected team includes local firms with national planning experience and perspectives. They will assist the district in developing multiple school closing scenarios and transition options intended to maintain quality schools. In mid-October, MPS administration will recommend multiple scenarios to the School Board, with an expected vote in November.
The independent consulting team consists of KKE Architects, Inc. of Minneapolis, who will focus on building and site uses. Kraus Anderson Midwest will assist in the assessment of building systems, scheduling, and related cost issues. Hazel Reinhardt Consulting Services will facilitate the demographic analysis and review. Allan Malkis Consulting will assist the team to examine strategies for change and their impact on community needs and concerns. Roger Worner Associates will provide consultation and research related to educational trends and future directions. Colliers Turley Martin Tucker will examine District asset management.
The team will work with the district to ensure planning is comprehensive, collaborative, and detailed before any scenarios are proposed.
The planning team regularly meets with the Community Engagement Consultant Collaborative to incorporate the work of the community engagement process. This coordinated effort aims to offer multiple scenarios that promote student achievement, support school choice, reflect the diversity of the community, and promote equity.
The planning team will seek input from the community to generate the criteria for scenario development. Initial meeting dates will be announced very soon and publicized broadly. The team will present their findings and encourage community dialogue before developing alternatives. By the end of September the planning team will conduct additional meetings requesting feedback on the identified issues, criteria, and possible realignment scenarios.
The community is invited to email comments or feedback to the planning team at [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>.
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