New Sehome High School Educational Specifications/Design Advisory Committee

Purpose: 

• Review student, staff, parent and community feedback gathered during the new Sehome High School Visioning Process conducted during early November 2015;

• Use the feedback and The Bellingham Promise to develop Educational Specifications for the new Sehome High School;

• Review and provide feedback on schematic and design development elements for the new Sehome High School.

Basis for Establishment:

• Voters approved a bond on November 5, 2013 that includes funding for replacing the existing Sehome High School with a new facility.

• Prior to designing a school, a complete and accurate description of the desired goals and requirements associated with the educational program and instructional activities need to be developed.  In addition, the functional, spatial and environmental needs related to the various spaces in the school must be established. This information is then used to develop a set of building design characteristics that establish the ways the new facility supports the educational program. All of this information becomes a formal written document called Educational Specifications. The Educational Specifications help clarify and direct the scope of work and design requirements for the architects, engineers, and other professionals working on the building design and site plan.

Decision-Making Process:

• Advisory to the superintendent.

Plan of Work:

• Approximately 10 regular committee meetings are anticipated (see below).
• 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. at Sehome High School
• Possible additional meetings may be required based on committee needs.
• In addition to regular committee meetings, 1 or 2 full day site visits to recent new high schools are likely.
• 1 or more evening Community Project Update meetings will also be scheduled as committee work progresses.
• Work will begin November 17 with draft Educational Specifications and initial schematic designs to be completed no later than late May 2016.
• A written recommendation to the superintendent will be prepared no later than June 1, 2016.

Responsibilities: 

• Regular meeting attendance
• Respectful and collaborative interactions with committee members

Budget Implications:

• Provide substitutes for staff as applicable
• Site tour expenses