On this episode of Tuesday Tips, we were joined by Michael Soh to discuss how schools can make strategic facility decisions that support growth.
Here are this session’s top 3 tips:
- Ask the right strategic questions before making major facility decisions. Evaluate fundamental problems with your current space, remaining useful life of core systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), layout flexibility for future needs, and physical or zoning limitations. Consider your long-term enrollment projections and non-negotiable facility requirements for your school’s mission.
- Start facility planning as an ongoing, long-term process. Design can take 3-18 months depending on project scale, while permitting varies dramatically by jurisdiction (one week to 24+ months). Large campus projects requiring extensive entitlements need several years of advance planning to ensure adequate runway for implementation.
- Maximize existing space with creative solutions while planning for the future. Consider modular classrooms for quick expansion, transform hallways into learning commons, use movable furniture and retractable walls for flexible spaces, utilize underused areas like basements or attics, and extend learning environments to outdoor spaces.
Watch the Whole Conversation
