Substantial Equivalency Policy for School Facility Funding

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Gordon-Substantial Equivalency Policy for School Facility Funding 2 1. Confer with the School Boards concerning this policy. 2. Formally adopt a substantial equivalency policy for school facility funding. 3. Request the OCS and CHCCS to evaluate their schools using the "Basic School" standards for new schools and provide that evaluation to the commissioners, along with estimated costs for bringing the schools up to the basic school standards. 4. If it is not practical to meet the letter of the basic school standards, then work with the School Boards to develop substantially equivalent standards for existing schools. Some of the following items could be considered. a. decide whether additional standards should be included for categories such as technology or playgrounds. b. list the top priority changes needed to meet as many of the standards as possible, and give their associated costs. c. suggest facilities that could compensate for a particular school's deficiencies, so that substantial equivalency is achieved. For example, if classroom sizes are below the standard size, it might be possible to exceed the basic standards in some other category in a way that would enhance education. Additional standards, mentioned In paragraph 4a, might be used for this purpose. In pursuing substantial equivalency as cited above, it will be important for the BOCC and School Boards to consider the particular interests of parents and teachers for each existing school. 5. Establish a target date for making all school facilities In the OCS and CHCCS substantially equivalent. A potential time frame to achieve this goal might be 10 years. RECOMMENDATION: As the Board decides. To act favorably on this proposed policy, the BOCC should declare its intent to adopt the policy and proceed with the steps Usted under the Implementation sections above.