School District Master Planning

Book excerpt: What is school district master planning? This book explains how this planning is done, using a proven process, not theories. The process helps you avoid cost overruns, public outrage, repeated redistricting, and classrooms built in wrong places that all represent poor planning. Planning tools, steps and process check lists are discussed in rich detail, using actual case studies and the planning triangle of programs, demographics and facilities. Process roles are explained for district staff, consultants,and the public at each step. Steps are clearly explained for acquiring, analyzing, and applying critical data to drive planning to redistrict, build, close, renovate or expand schools. Steps are carefully explained for developing the comprehensive masterplan and getting it implemented on time and within budget. This book pulls no punches as to what usually goes wrong and why, along with what must be done, step by step, to avoid such mistakes. It is a guide to developing a district master plan that will work out for the long term and promote public support for public education.