The Master Plan Process Overview Facilities Master Planning Update
Santa Cruz City Schools utilize the Facility Master Plan Update (FMPU) process to assess each District facility in order to identify immediate and future needs that impact the learning environments at each campus and develop a plan to address them. The District facilities master plan was originally developed in 2016. It has been refreshed to reflect changes in external conditions, such as construction costs and funding, as well as District completion of projects. The master plan is a “living document” and is used as a continuous roadmap for long-term stewardship of District facilities.
Santa Cruz City Schools is committed to being good stewards of our environment and moving closer to becoming a Net Zero emissions district. In the development of the Facility Master Plan Update and in all projects at district school sites, sustainability is always a focus. The projects that have been completed, or are in progress, from Measures A and B have included permeable pavement, rain harvesting, bio-swales and various energy efficiency electrical, lighting and HVAC systems.
The commitment to sustainability will continue for future projects identified in the Facility Master Plan Update. Modernizations and renovations at every site going forward are set to include:
LED lighting to replace inefficient fluorescent
dual pane windows to replace older single pane
new high efficiency HVAC systems with increased outside air intake and CO2 detection
new roofing
increased insulation
use of locally sourced and recycled materials
permeable pavement
drought resistant landscape
water efficient irrigation systems.
added solar structures where possible
The FMPU is:
A roadmap forward forming guidelines for facilities decisions both on existing and future sites including schools, support centers, undeveloped parcels and any necessary future modifications to support pre-K instruction
A District-wide facilities perspective taking into consideration instructional, technological, demographic, and facility upkeep goals in consideration of buildings, grounds, technology, furniture, and equipment
A budgeting tool for facility improvement related decisions
Easy to edit, adapt, and change
The Master Plan Process
The development of a Facility Master Plan Update is a multi-phase initiative which includes a review of documentation and records related to existing campuses as well as historical construction and modernization efforts to date; a physical assessment of existing conditions; current space utilization; capacity, and future projections; a thorough understanding of educational programs and program-related needs from a District, site and community perspective; as well as current and future grade-specific and site-specific needs.
Facility Needs Assessments
Facility condition assessments were conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of architects, engineers and consultants. The physical site walks encompassed a building-by-building system examination of existing conditions on the school site. This includes interiors, exteriors, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology and site / civil elements of each campus.
Civil
The civil assessment included a walk-thru of each site to observe conditions with regard to drainage and detention, grading, site utilities and paved surfaces. Any observed deficiencies were noted and reviewed with the assessment team and with District representatives to confirm recommendations and timing. The civil consultants looked for observable deficiencies that included but were not limited to the following:
Drainage
Driveways
Concrete parking areas
Asphalt paving
Sidewalks
Site grading
Site utilities (Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drain, Domestic Water and Fire Supply)
Building Envelope
The basic function of the exterior enclosure of a building is to protect the covered and/or conditioned spaces within from the surrounding external environment. As such, the building envelope assessment involved a visual inspection of the protective systems, structures and materials that make up the exterior envelope of each building to include exterior doors and door openings, windows, skylights, canopies and roofs. During the assessment, the building envelope consultant walked the facility inside and out to observe and document existing conditions and provide prioritized recommendations based on any needs identified. The consultant looked for observable deficiencies that may have included but were not limited to the following:
Visible damage, deterioration, and/or exposure with regard to roofs and/or exterior
windows, doors, masonry, painted surfaces, etc.
Roof surface areas cluttered with leaves and/or debris
Ponding water on roof areas
Missing or damaged system components
Gutters and/or downspouts improperly anchored to the building; damaged, missing and/or filled with debris
Active roof leaks and/or visible water damage on ceilings and/or walls
Sloping or sagging ceilings, floors, and/or roofs
Foreign substances that could corrode roofing material, sealants, and/or obstruct gutters, drainpipes, air intakes, or exhausts (such as nests or droppings)
Architecture
The architectural assessment included a walk-thru of the entire campus to observe interior and exterior building conditions and to identify potential deficiencies with regard to interior finishes and fixtures such as ceilings, flooring, painted surfaces, casework and millwork, doors and door hardware, walls, windows and window coverings, and over-all structural integrity. A welcoming school campus with well-maintained landscaping and great curb appeal can be a source of pride for both a school and the community. Additionally, wise plant selection along with proper irrigation can reduce operating costs while contributing to a sustainable environment. The architects evaluated curb appeal, signage, way-finding, accessibility (in and around buildings, to, from and throughout the site), as well as over-all aesthetics, design, and functionality. The architectural team looked for observable deficiencies related to, but certainly not limited to the following:
General condition of ceilings, walls, and floors (including any areas damaged by water or with visible tears, holes, or cracks)
Damaged, worn, chipping, peeling, and/or cracking plaster or paint
Poorly functioning and/or poorly conditioned doors and/or door hardware; inaccessible door openings;
Severe cracks in foundation slab, structural walls, columns, and/or beams
Missing and/or damaged posts, beams or supports (including portable building posts/ beams/supports and/or ramps)
Damage caused by dry rot or mold in structural components
Sloping or sagging ceilings, floors, and/or roofs
Leaning and/or bulging walls
Poor anchorage of non-structural elements (equipment, casework, book cases, etc.)
Safe and welcoming entries; signage (including marquee)
Fencing and gates
Drop-off / pick-up and circulation
Site signage/wayfinding/access
Over-all condition of landscaping and grounds
Irrigation system condition and functionality
Hardcourts and play fields
Mechanical
Properly functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are needed to maintain operational facilities with safe, healthy, and comfortable learning environments for both students and staff. HVAC systems are also large consumers of energy and contribute significantly to the total energy usage on school campuses every day. The mechanical assessment focused on the integrity of building HVAC systems and component systems. The consultant looked for observable deficiencies that included but were not limited to the following:
Air conditioning and/or heating systems that are poorly functioning or non-functional
Outdated, inefficient, and/or non-functional HVAC system units and/or controls
Gaps, holes, or cracks on air intake filters allowing unfiltered air to enter the ventilator
Loose filters on the air intake
Obstructed ventilation units
Damaged or missing vents
Vibrating or excessively noisy HVAC units
Strong odors near HVAC systems and equipment such as chemical smells, mildew, or trash/debris
Dusty or dirty ventilation grills or vents
Electical
To help ensure the safety of students and staff and the protection of facility assets, the electrical assessment involved a walk-thru of the entire site to evaluate the integrity of electrical systems and components to include utility service and switchgear; wiring, conduit and distribution; receptacles and appliances; as well as interior and exterior lighting. The consultant looked for observable deficiencies that included but were not limited to the following:
Inadequate power supply and/or distribution
Switchboards that are in poor condition, lack space and/or capacity
Improperly mounted, covered or guarded electrical equipment and/or components
Blocked electrical panels
Exposed wiring or frayed cords
Damaged or missing electrical components
Outdated, inefficient and/or non-functional lighting fixtures, systems and/or controls
Poorly functioning and/or outdated low voltage systems and equipment
Damaged or missing light covers or bulbs
Improper use of extension cords or surge protectors
Improperly located appliances
Corrosion of metal system elements exposed to groundwater
Plumbing
Properly maintained restrooms and drinking fountains contribute to the health of students and staff and also assist in reducing excessive water consumption. The plumbing assessment included a walk-thru of the entire site to observe the integrity of piping, drainage and distribution systems and related components, with any issues noted and prioritized. The consultant looked for observable deficiencies that included but were not limited to the following:
Outdated, inefficient and/or non-functional fixtures, systems and/or controls
The technology assessment included a walk-thru of each site to observe conditions with regard to a variety of systems and infrastructure including network, Internet, classroom, security and audio visual. Any observed deficiencies were noted, compared to best-practice standards and District standards, discussed with the assessment team and with District representatives to review recommendations and priorities. The technology consultants looked for observable deficiencies related to the following:
Network Systems - data cabling, network switches/routers, phone systems, and wireless network
Classroom Systems - classroom multimedia, telephones, peripherals including document cameras and sound reinforcement
Internet Systems - routers, firewalls, content filtering and internet connections
Data Center - servers, storage, virtualization, backups, disaster recovery and room elements (racks, cooling, power, battery backup, generator, etc.)
Wide Area Network - building-to-building connectivity
Physical Security Systems - video surveillance cameras, access control components, intrusion, campus entrance/exits
Audio Visual Systems - sound systems, bell, clock, public address and board room systems
To assist in providing a safe and secure facility for students and staff as well as the protection of facility assets, a safety audit was conducted as a part of the condition assessment. The scope of the audit included a review of site elements such as fencing, security cameras and intercoms; building elements such as access control, resistive glass, and intrusion detection, as well as processes and operational procedures related to safety and security. The security consultant looked for observable deficiencies with regard to a variety of elements and universally adopted best practice standards to include, but not limited to the following:
Daily, on-site law enforcement
Comprehensive and integrated Emergency Operations Plan and Administrative Practice Manual in place
