Districtwide master plan for 32 facilities promotes equity and aligns with Community Unit School District 300 strategic plan
A master plan for one of Illinois’ largest school districts includes learning environment analyses, interior/exterior facilities assessments, and suggestions (with cost estimates) for equitable use of funds for facilities improvements. The recommendations include deferred maintenance repairs as well as enhancements that support the whole child approach to learning endorsed in District 300’s strategic plan. Specific plan elements include the following:
- Educational adequacy assessments determine how well each facility responds to district instructional curriculum.
- Learning spaces assessments consider everything from class sizes to collaboration zones and social-emotional learning spaces.
- Facility assessments include interiors (e.g., flooring, ceilings, lighting, acoustics) and exteriors (e.g., windows, walls, roofs).
- Space utilization analyses evaluate how much space can be repurposed and help minimize the amount of new space needed.
- A comprehensive budget outlook enables the district to use finances equitably and efficiently.
Each school has a book that shows study findings and two rounds of estimates: one for deferred maintenance (e.g., health/life safety, mechanical upgrades) and another including “good, better, and best” solutions for achieving educational adequacy.
The Legat team led dual-language community engagement sessions and coordinated surveys at every school to give all stakeholders a voice in the process.
