Introduction to the Rochester City School District Facilities Modernization Program Browncroft Neighborhood Association October 11, 2006

Needs and Opportunities Instructional facilities average 61 years of age Sub-optimal for 21 st Century teaching & learning Inter- and Intra-District inequities Replacement value of facilities is $1.6 B –Minimum recommended annual investment to maintain status quo is $23.6 M –Current annual investment is $22.5 M

Needs and Opportunities (continued) Inflation in construction greatly outpaces general inflation Precedents in Buffalo and Syracuse NYS Education Department reimburses districts up to 98% of allowable expenses NYSED reimbursement schedule follows debt amortization schedule

Proposed Response Undertake a comprehensive building modernization program addressing all District instructional facilities (while continuing on- going “maintenance of effort”)

Critical Barriers Access to capital –Rochester is a “dependent” school district –State and local constraints on borrowing –Use of cash is problematic Provision of “local share” funds –Min. 2%, up to est. 20% “Swing space” to permit year-round construction at selected sites

Solution Enabling State legislation –Access to capital through alternative borrowing channels COMIDA, DASNY, Municipal Bond Bank –“Lock in” NYSED reimbursement rate –State Aid intercept mechanism to guarantee bonds Bi-partisan sponsorship support from local delegation –Senator Robach –Assemblyman Gantt

Current State Completed conceptual design and scoping –“School of the Future” criteria developed and incorporated –Three 5-year phases –$823 Million –Informed by enrollment declines Updating cost estimates, schedules, sequencing –$1.2 Billion (?) Enlisting community partners Introduce legislation Fall 2006 / January 2007

School of the Future Criteria Increase classroom sizes Improve Acoustics Improve Air Quality / Thermal Environment Add Kitchens to Elementary Schools Provide Dedicated Libraries, Gyms, Cafeterias, and Performance Spaces Add Pre-K Space Improve Site Safety / Traffic Flow Add Community Use Space Increase Outdoor Site Size Eliminate Basement Classrooms Improve Entry Areas Improve Athletic Facilities Increase Number of Health Clinics Provide Teaching Centers Increase Daylighting Incorporate Sustainable Design

Other Significant Elements Community / economic development catalyst Communication & community engagement Governing board Program delivery model –Program Manager requirement W/MBE and Affirmative Action Wicks Law exemption / Project Labor Agreement Hire / buy locally –Apprenticeship programs