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9 <br />Cost per Square Foot <br />$110 per square foot for construction is the 1998 assumed cost of high school construction. Prevailing <br />market factors, inflationary impacts, and the use of alternative design such as the unitary systems <br />approach should be factored in, as appropriate for future high school planning. <br />Other Facility Considerations <br />1. Technology Infrastructure <br />The State Department of Public Instruction encourages school systems to install up -to -date technology <br />infrastructure for use by all students, faculty, and staff. When funds are not available for the <br />installation of complete systems, the State recommends that school systems provide empty conduits <br />and cable trays. In addition, space should also be allocated for local and wide area networks, file <br />servers and other equipment. Wiring closets may be replaced with fiber -optic cable. This may be a <br />more cost efficient manner to provide connectivity. <br />For planning purposes, the Department of Public Instruction suggests a cost allowance for technology <br />infrastructure of $8.25 per building square footage. This is consistent with the construction standards <br />adopted for elementary and middle schools in Orange County. <br />2. Energy Efficiencies <br />During the planning process, special attention should be given to creating fiscally sound energy <br />efficiencies. Ways to achieve this include: <br />• Choosing efficient lighting systems and energy management controls, <br />• Considering solar orientation, earth integration, and plantings and landscaping in <br />siting the facility, <br />• Selecting energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; and <br />• Exploring solar energy including day lighting and passive solar heating. <br />Life cycle cost analyses should be used when choosing energy systems. Appendix D provides further <br />detail as presented by the County Engineer to the High School Construction Standards Task Force. <br />3. Materials <br />Construction materials should be selected based on low maintenance and high durability. The <br />presumed life cycle of each new high school is a minimum of fifty years. <br />5 <br />