Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. The Firm shall ensure that the Plan complies with all state and federal requirements.; 2. The Firm shall develop and document a thorough, objective Educational Facilities Master Plan that evaluates the educational system (PK-12 curriculum, demographics, facilities, educational outcomes) and establishes long term strategic actions/costs based on the following factors: a. 21st Century Teaching and Learning Practices; b. Optimum size learning environments, including class size, grade configuration; c. Space characteristics and recommended support spaces; d. Effective integration of instructional technology; e. Support for the Arts, Music, Athletics and other extracurricular opportunities; f. Social and emotional development of all students; g. Projected future enrollment; 3. The Firm shall incorporate community involvement into the development of the Plan throughout the entire process. The community involvement shall include the School Committee, District staff, Town Leadership, parents, teachers, students, the community at large and other key stakeholders to identify issues, needs, and evaluation of options, proposals and priorities using meetings, focus groups and other forms of communication.; 4. The Firm shall review and analyze building capacity and space utilization.; 5. The Firm shall identify and evaluate costs and benefits of a broad array of facility options.; 6. The Firm shall develop conceptual improvement plans and develop probable cost estimates, cost modeling, and financial planning for each concept.; 7. The Firm shall incorporate the District’s Strategic Plan (currently in development) and other Districtwide initiatives, educational programming, optimal school and classroom size, and current educational standards.; 8. The Firm shall complete an on-site facility conditions assessment of the District’s schools and identify any deficiencies in the existing buildings and site, including program and service areas, space, utility systems and infrastructure, telecommunications/technology, parking, traffic patterns and grounds, and health and safety conditions.; 9. The Firm shall develop, in conjunction with the District and community stakeholders, a 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan through a prioritization of the information contained in the Educational Facilities Master Plan and facility conditions assessment. The Firm shall facilitate collaboration between the Town Council, Town Administrator, Town Departments, the District, community stakeholders and School Committee during the development of this plan.; 10. The Firm shall develop a RIDE Necessity of School Construction Stage I application, submit the application to RIDE and work with the District and RIDE to gain final approval for the application to move to Stage II in accordance with all Rhode Island School Building Authority deadlines.
