posted by Mike Madison at 4:14 PM /
Lebo architect Dan Rothschild, who has volunteered some constructive design advice to the Lebo School Board in connection with the high school renovation, has lobbed another friendly suggestion into the conversation: a community-based School Planning Board to meet and consult with the project architects while the design proceeds. Here is the text of his most recent letter:
September 23, 2009
Dr. Timothy J. Steinhauer
Superintendent
Mt. Lebanon School District
7 Horsman Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Subject: School Planning Board
Mt. Lebanon High School Additions and Renovations
Dear Dr. Steinhauer:
I want to sincerely thank you for the time granted to me at the recent Architect's Update. I know it was an extremely long meeting.
After the Architect's Update, Dan Remely approached me and inquired about the time frame that would be necessary for the potential School Planning Board. It was actually on my list of talking points to discuss, but I got sidetracked toward the end and skipped over it.
Here is what I was going to propose:
Week 1 and
Week 2: Advertise and select nine candidates
Week 3: School Planning Board Meeting 1
Week 4: School Planning Board Meeting 2
Week 5: Public meetings at Jefferson and Mellon
Week 6: School Planning Board Meeting 3
Week 7: School Planning Board Meeting 4
Week 8: Report to School Board
Of course, the School Board should add their input to this proposed process. At the end of eight weeks, the School Planning Board’s work would be done, or the School Board could request that they continue. As I said at the meeting, the School Planning Board works for you, ensures that your goals are met, and adds needed additional insight based on their professional experiences. This is a proven community consensus model.
As you are considering the concept of a School Planning Board, and discussing it at your next Board meeting, you are probably wondering about the timing and benefits of this process. It would be appropriate for the architects to continue with their process during this time. The hope would be that the School Planning Board would work with your architects to come up with ideas that meet (or exceed) design goals, and save money If the School Board agrees that any of these new ideas are beneficial, the cost savings in construction would easily outweigh any additional architectural fees that might be encountered, a true win/win. Timing should be negligible considering the early phase of the project.
This process will enhance the partnership between the School Board and the community. Mt. Lebanon is blessed with many talented and dedicated residents who can help our community be better clients, and assist you in finding our collective voice. Let us create a true collaborative model, one that is energized by positive synergy.
Sincerely,
Daniel Rothschild, AIA LEED Accredited Professional
Cc: Mt. Lebanon School Board members
September 23, 2009
Dr. Timothy J. Steinhauer
Superintendent
Mt. Lebanon School District
7 Horsman Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Subject: School Planning Board
Mt. Lebanon High School Additions and Renovations
Dear Dr. Steinhauer:
I want to sincerely thank you for the time granted to me at the recent Architect's Update. I know it was an extremely long meeting.
After the Architect's Update, Dan Remely approached me and inquired about the time frame that would be necessary for the potential School Planning Board. It was actually on my list of talking points to discuss, but I got sidetracked toward the end and skipped over it.
Here is what I was going to propose:
Week 1 and
Week 2: Advertise and select nine candidates
Week 3: School Planning Board Meeting 1
Week 4: School Planning Board Meeting 2
Week 5: Public meetings at Jefferson and Mellon
Week 6: School Planning Board Meeting 3
Week 7: School Planning Board Meeting 4
Week 8: Report to School Board
Of course, the School Board should add their input to this proposed process. At the end of eight weeks, the School Planning Board’s work would be done, or the School Board could request that they continue. As I said at the meeting, the School Planning Board works for you, ensures that your goals are met, and adds needed additional insight based on their professional experiences. This is a proven community consensus model.
As you are considering the concept of a School Planning Board, and discussing it at your next Board meeting, you are probably wondering about the timing and benefits of this process. It would be appropriate for the architects to continue with their process during this time. The hope would be that the School Planning Board would work with your architects to come up with ideas that meet (or exceed) design goals, and save money If the School Board agrees that any of these new ideas are beneficial, the cost savings in construction would easily outweigh any additional architectural fees that might be encountered, a true win/win. Timing should be negligible considering the early phase of the project.
This process will enhance the partnership between the School Board and the community. Mt. Lebanon is blessed with many talented and dedicated residents who can help our community be better clients, and assist you in finding our collective voice. Let us create a true collaborative model, one that is energized by positive synergy.
Sincerely,
Daniel Rothschild, AIA LEED Accredited Professional
Cc: Mt. Lebanon School Board members
2 Comments:
Feelin' Groovy ...
Send your Letter of Application for this committee to the Superintendent if you want to volunteer to be ignored like Dirk Taylor.
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