West High School & Romig Middle School: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Student concept design artwork courtesy of Romig Middle School (see more)
When will West High and Romig Middle schools be renewed (construction complete)? How long until we see results? 5 years? 10 years?
- It is impossible for anyone to predict specifically when the school improvements will occur at this time. After the Master Plan is completed, its renewal projects will be evaluated through ASD’s standard Capital Improvement Plan process. This process includes recommendations by the citizens’ Capital Request Advisory Committee for approval by the school board, Anchorage Assembly and, ultimately, Anchorage voters. Once funding is obtained, the design and construction process could last 5 years depending on design and construction phasing.
What will happen to West and Romig students during construction?
- That will be determined by the projects’ scopes, schedules and construction funding. Temporary options for similar projects have included housing classes in relocatable on-site classrooms or distributing students to other schools.
What is a master plan?
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What does the Master Plan include?
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West High and Romig Middle schools’ comprehensive Master Plan reflects districtwide educational specifications for high and middle schools as supplemented by local requirements. It also reflects the May 2008 “Pre-planning Vision Report," which emphasizes the schools as a center of community.
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The master planning process includes assessment of physical infrastructure (site features, building structures and systems), determination and definition of educational needs (ASD standards plus additional school and community needs), and development of a master site and building plan that shows the desired future layout configuration of the schools and their site.
- A goal specific to West High and Romig Middle schools is to incorporate principles of 21st Century Learning and “Schools as Center of Community” into their Master Plan.
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What does a master plan cost? How is it funded? Will the master planning costs affect my taxes?
- The master planning process is funded by a $900,000 legislative grant from the State of Alaska. It does not directly affect local property taxes.
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What is the status of the Master Plan?
- The Anchorage School Board approved the Master Plan on June 14, 2010. The Anchorage Assembly will consider approval of the Master Plan before the end of 2010.
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Why is this Master Plan being done? What are the benefits?
West High School is the last of the district’s high schools to have a renewal master plan. The district has begun a middle school renewal program also — for this reason, and because West and Romig share some facilities, it is appropriate that Romig Middle School be included. The Master Plan will create a clear vision of how to move forward with renewing both schools and their common campus. Because it is not possible to relocate all students off campus during renewal construction, the Master Plan will provide a framework for defining the sequence and magnitude of individual renewal projects that, in the end, will complete the Master Plan’s goals objectives.
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How will West and Romig schools become “schools as a center of community”?
- “Schools as a center of community” issues were identified in the May 2008 Pre-planning Vision Report and were further explored and defined during the master planning process. The process engaged the broader community, neighbors, parents, businesses and the municipality in working with the schools to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the educational process as reflected in the physical environment.
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How will West and Romig maintain their separate campuses in the new Master Plan?
- Each school maintains its separate and distinct entrance. Interior connections are provided where it is appropriate for the schools to share resources while maintaining safety and security.
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Will other schools be invited to use new facilities?
- West High and Romig Middle schools have a long tradition of sharing use of their facilities with the community and other schools. This tradition is expected to continue.
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Will new computers, equipment and furniture be included in the Master Plan?
- The Master Plan was prepared to accommodate current ASD standards for computer systems and equipment with an eye to creating a flexible structure that accommodates future technology changes. Procurement and installation of new computers and equipments will be part of subsequently funded construction phases of the project.
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 Why should I care about the Master Plan if I do not have kids in schools?
- Providing a good education for our children is one of the foundations of a healthy community. All citizens benefit when students stay in school and graduate with relevant, useful skills. Additionally, many adult education classes are offered at our community schools. Although students are the primary and essential focus, the district believes in supporting the broader community’s needs both educationally and civically. To this end, both schools are already substantially used by the community during hours when classes are not in session.
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How are parking and traffic circulation issues being addressed?
- The master planning team includes professional traffic planners who worked closely with a design focus group consisting of school, municipal and community representatives. The Master Plan includes additional access points or revisions to access points to relieve traffic congestion and improve circulation
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How can I keep track of developments?
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