Facility Master Plan

 
Board Update - April 6, 2023
 
The Facilities Master Planning (FMP) process started in the fall of 2022 with an assessment of SCSD District Facilities both the building systems and infrastructure and visual assessments of the existing conditions. Meetings with the FMP Steering Committee, focus groups, and stakeholders followed to build an understanding of the values of the San Carlos School District educational program and priorities for the learners. The FMP team met with the Strategic Planning Team to ensure alignment before a Visioning Series launched. A Visioning Team of 50+ members (teachers, community members, school leaders, city leaders, partners, etc.) met to develop a vision for the future of SCSD schools and facilities. Members of the Steering Committee updated the Board on the process, outcomes, and next steps during our April 6 meeting. View the presentation here.
 
Board Presentation
 

Facilities Master Plan Update 2023

Our current Facilities Master Plan (FMP), dated 2013, detailed the modernization in our upper elementary and middle schools using Measure H Bond Funds. Our elementary schools now need attention and all of our schools will need upgrades to be climate ready and resilient. For that reason, the Board of Trustees approved PBK, a full-service architecture firm, to assess all of our facilities. They will also help us complete an inclusive and transparent process to develop a 10-15 year plan to create schools and schoolyards to meet the needs of our children, staff and community. This will involve both on-site structural reviews and engagement with principals, staff, students and the community. 

Our process has begun with the development of an FMP Visioning committee, composed of community and staff, who have met twice to discuss our current facilities and envision collaborative and climate-ready school spaces. See the slide deck from our Visioning Session held in January.

We are now offering stakeholder meetings. Your input will be invaluable to co-create a resulting roadmap to inform the next steps for our facilities. We want to hear from you, so here are opportunities to share your feedback:

  • Participate in a Facilities Master Planning Community Meeting to learn more about the process, receive an update on recently collected input, and join us for real-time brainstorming as we think together about future opportunities for SCSD and our learning spaces.
    • To join us for a live session, please click here to RSVP on Eventbrite and select from the following:
      • Monday, March 27, 5:30 - 7:00 pm via Zoom
      • Wednesday, April 26, 5:30 - 7:30 pm in-person at the San Carlos School District Office
 
Read more about our Facilities Master Visioning Session and Strategic Plan refresh process.
 

If you have any questions about these meetings, please email [email protected] or call (650) 580-7333.

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Facilities Master Plan 2013-2022

On March 14, 2013, the San Carlos School Board passed the District’s Facilities Master Plan (FMP).  The FMP was developed to address enrollment growth and provide a roadmap for building new schools, renovation of existing facilities, creating outdoor environments and introducing new technologies, all in the context of resource sustainability.

New learning environments will focus on creating flexible spaces that can scale to accommodate many sizes, from large groups to small teams to individual projects.  Other elements of 21st Century Learning environments include fewer walls, embracing the outdoors and bringing the outside classroom inside, flexible furniture and space, spaces for hands-on learning and project-based learning, and more.

Specifically, the FMP includes the following:

  • Building two new upper elementary schools, one on each of the existing middle school campuses, for 4th-5th grade
  • Removing 5th grade from Central and Tierra Linda and renovating both middle schools as per the design elements above
  • Removing 4th grade from each of the existing four elementary schools (ArundelBrittan AcresHeather, and White Oaks)
  • Re-locating Charter Learning Center
  • Doing other renovations, including safety and technology upgrades, at all sites
  • Investing in sustainable energy sources, materials, and programs throughout the district
 

The passage of Measure H provided funds to accomplish a substantial amount of work outlined in the plan and a Citizens Bond Oversight Committee has been appointed to ensure the proper expenditure of bond funds.  However, the Facilities Master Plan is intended to be a roadmap that encompasses plans beyond what Measure H can fund.

The District has designated a design team of administrators and teachers who are working to build the curriculum, structure, and personnel model of the new bridge schools with a goal to ensure that the physical design of the schools aligns with the curricular design.

To view the complete FMP, click here. For a background narrative and timeline of the Facility Master Plan (FMP) as of April 2017, click here.