One of the keys to relieving America's overcrowded and crumbling schools already exists in communities around the country. Two respected organizations are recommending that communities renovate historic schools in their area for additional space rather than rely entirely on new construction.
The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) and NCPTT aim to place the choice of renovating historic neighborhood schools on the same level as new construction in the decision process that deals with issues of capacity and conditions of school buildings.
"Innovation and renovation can go hand-in-hand when modern practices in construction and technology are used in these rehabilitation projects," said Regie Teague, CEFPI president.
"Historic schools are not only valued landmarks but also community anchors around which neighborhoods and young people grow," says Mark Gilberg, NCPTT?s applied research and technology transfer director.
A cooperative agreement between CEFPI and NCPTT has been forged to share the knowledge and influence of each organization. As stated in the cooperative agreement, "Historic neighborhood schools have touched the lives of millions of Americans, yet these treasured icons and community institutions are being abandoned, demolished, and replaced at an alarming rate. These national landmarks are disappearing along with the surrounding community where neighborhoods and young people grow."
CEFPI and NCPTT will collaborate to author, edit and publish a revised version of the Appraisal Guide, incorporating case studies on the rehabilitation of historic schools as an instrument for appraising historic school facilities. These two organizations, each regarded as an authoritative organization in its field, are working together to share their expertise in order to improve educational opportunities for students.
NCPTT will provide technical information on the rehabilitation (renovation, alteration and conversion) of historic schools, including assessments, in the following areas: structural soundness, operational and maintenance efficiency, conditions of mechanical systems, and compliance with safety codes and accessibility.
The trend of building shopping mall-sized schools outside towns alienates students, encourages sprawl and weakens the sense of community. CEFPI and NCPTT are asking schools and towns to look at existing resources, and are offering recommendations to do so in the most practical way.