Webinar: Master Planning for Small and Rural Districts

This webinar, co-sponsored by the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) and the National Council on School Facilities, explores the distinct planning reality faced by small and rural districts. Panelists discuss right-sized processes that suit resource-constrained environments, the challenges of managing facilities decisions amidst declining enrollment, and the possibilities that emerge through partnership.

Moderator:
Brandon Payne, Executive Director, National Council on School Facilities

Panelists:
Eric Burrage, Lathan-McKee Architects
Keith Perrigan, Washington County (VA) Public Schools
Brad Rohrbach, Porterville Unified School District

After you watch the recording, please take a moment to fill out a brief feedback survey. Your responses will inform the design of future webinars and help us understand if NCSI’s resources are meeting your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Keep tabs on your systems and focus on core elements. Small and rural districts often can’t afford the planning process used by larger districts. But walk-throughs and close monitoring through an annually updated inventory of major building systems with expected replacement timelines can help identify the projects that need attention and anticipate major expenditures. Panelists consistently emphasized prioritizing what keeps buildings safe and functional for students — roofs, HVAC, and building envelopes — over “wow factor” projects. 
• Stakeholder engagement is key. Engaging local decision-makers, community members, and students on facilities issues can generate momentum for improving building conditions — and make hard decisions, particularly about closure and consolidation, more palatable. For example, hosting tours for board members, elected officials, and community members to see deteriorated building conditions first-hand draws attention to real needs and can make it clear when closure is the right decision.
• Collaboration and partnership opens doors. Districts that work with neighboring districts and non-profit groups to share programs, pursue grants, or collectively advocate for policy and funding at the state level can create opportunities for students that wouldn’t otherwise be feasible. And partnerships with community foundations can support facilities planning work or career and technical education infrastructure when the connections between local economic development goals and school facility needs are made clear.