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8 <br /> may replace smaller older schools with larger higher capacity schools. The County <br /> expects the districts to create a long-term plan to use that additional capacity to <br /> consolidate other aging schools. <br /> Site Selection <br /> Per State Statute, a local board of education cannot execute a contract nor expend funds to <br /> purchase a facility site without the consent of the local board of county commissioners. As <br /> each district plans for future school-related facilities, districts must be able to account for the <br /> following County criteria. <br /> • Acreage Standards <br /> - Districts should ensure that the land acquired for a new school site meets all DPI <br /> acreage requirements for the intended school. <br /> • Environmental Factors <br /> - Due to the long usage of school facilities, and the increasing impact of climate <br /> change, districts should strictly avoid all future flood hazards. Facilities should not <br /> be in close proximity to wetlands, stream buffers or in a flood plain. The facility <br /> should also be sited to avoid any unfavorable environmental impacts. <br /> • Availability of Utilities <br /> - The district should account for the utility construction requirements in building new <br /> school facilities. This may require preliminary meetings with County, utility <br /> provider and school staff to determine these costs. <br /> • Total Project Costing <br /> - The districts should provide a reasonable accounting of all additional costs related <br /> to building at the proposed site that would exceed the standard budgets for school <br /> construction. These would include the total costs of all utility installations, <br /> stormwater management and site grading. Districts should prioritize the lowest <br /> total cost in determining future sites, rather than the upfront purchase price. <br /> • Potential for Joint Park Site <br /> - Districts should alert the County of any joint opportunities to purchase land for <br /> park facilities adjacent to school sites. <br /> • Safe Routes to Schools <br /> - District staff should identify the alternative routes to school that would be possible <br /> using alternative modes of transportation for the planned location. If these routes <br /> are not available at the time of purchase, District staff should work with County <br /> and Town staff to identify and overcome barriers to these safe routes over time. <br /> Board of County Commissioner approval for any potential school site acquisition will be <br /> discussed during open session of regular BoCC business meetings. School staff will need <br /> to provide adequate notice to county staff based on the County's agenda process and will <br /> need to provide the following details: cost of the proposed site, location of the site, including <br /> tax map numbers, as well as a memorandum detailing how the proposed locations adheres <br /> to County criteria. <br /> Rescission <br /> This policy supersedes any school planning policy in place prior to this date. <br />