LM Nov-Dec_2023

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When the Smoke Clears, Is Your District Prepared?

Following two years of planning and the passing of a sales tax referendum, District 186 began implementation of its 34-building multi-phase plan. Learn how the team coordinated multiple partners to ensure smooth, equitable delivery of the district’s facility improvements. Panelists : Todd Cyrulik, BLDD Architects; Jennifer Gill, Superintendent of Springfield SD #186. 1 When planning for a major building renovation, school districts should develop a theme and a web page that serves as a landing site for where people can go to learn about the project. Springfield SD #186 created a visioning statement and web page, “Our Schools Our Future.” 2 Organize community engagement sessions in the lead up to a referendum where you share the timeline and key dates for the project. At the engagement sessions, share how much it will cost to simply main tain facilities over the next decade. 3 Utilize elastic planning with your architect that builds in contingencies and makes it easier to shift funds when projects are over or under budget. Springfield SD #186 utilized numerous transfer packages over the course of 34 building projects. 4 Once the referendum passes and bonds are sold, try to find some easy wins so your community can see early on the referendum is making a difference. Springfield SD #186 upgraded security cameras as one of its first actions. 5 Keep your community informed every step of the way. The superintendent should provide an update at every school board meeting on the project. The updates can generate positive news stories about your school district. Implementing Vision: How SD #186 Changed Multi-Phase Planning

This session detailed how Wood River-Hartford ESD #15 recovered from a fire, including navigating the first 24 hours, assembling the emergency team, identifying critical services, navigating insurance challenges and making critical communications. Panelists : Justin Wendling, Director of Business Development, Servpro Team Wolfe; Nathan Whitehead, Director of Commercial Loss, Servpro Team Wolfe; Dr. Patrick Anderson, Superintendent of Wood River Hartford ESD #15. 1 Even a small fire can cause significant damage throughout a school building. In 2022, a small basement fire on a Friday evening caused smoke damage to 90 percent of Lewis and Clark Elemen tary School. The damage caused the district to relocate more than 500 students for months. 2 Know your insurance coverage and be prepared to go out to bid if you feel the coverage is insufficient. The basement fire in Wood River-Hartford ESD #15 ended up being a $24 million insurance claim. The money was needed to replace technology and sup plies throughout the school as well as pay cleaners with Servpro. 3 Demand high expectations from your insurance provider. Make sure the person handling the claim understands that it’s critical for the school to reopen, which means paying cleaners overtime to finish the job. In addition, make sure they under stand that teachers are going to need new supplies and technology is damaged. 4 Establish a chain of command with vendors on who they will speak to for questions and inquiries. Having a point of contact will streamline processes and make it easier to know who to contact.

10 LM Holidays 2023