Description
Undertaken in preparation for a major course of capital improvements, an update of the strategic plan for the 10-year redevelopment of the Buffalo Public Schools marked the first time that building conditions of all Buffalo schools – nearly 40 in all, with an average age exceeding 75 years – were evaluated relative to each school’s ability to support educational initiatives. Prior to the update, the district had operated facilities in nine different grade configurations for 38,000 students, an arrangement that impeded administration, teaching continuity, and balanced enrollments.
Starting with a set of “core models” developed by educational leaders, department heads, principals, teachers, and parents that delineated program requirements for each of the preferred school types, each school building was assessed for its ability to implement the core models as well as particular program requirements. Recommendations were then made as to the best candidates for reconstruction, major additions, enlarged sites, and relocation in each future phase. Nine schools were unanimously approved for phase III of the redevelopment, with construction commencing in 2007.