West High School & Romig Middle School: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Student concept design artwork courtesy of Romig Middle School (see more)
What is a master plan?
Return to top
What does the Master Plan include?
-
West High and Romig Middle schools’ comprehensive Master Plan will reflect districtwide educational specifications for high and middle schools as supplemented by local requirements. It will also reflect the May 2008 “Pre-planning Vision Report," which emphasizes the schools as a center of community.
-
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.
Return to top
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.
Return to top
When will the Master Plan be complete?
- The Master Plan is scheduled to be submitted to the school board for approval in the fall of 2009.
Return to top
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.
Return to top
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.
Return to top
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 will be further explored and defined during the master planning process. The process intends to engage 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.
Return to top
How will West and Romig maintain their separate campuses in the new Master Plan?
- Each school will maintain their separate and distinct entrances. Interior connections will be provided where it is appropriate for the schools to share resources while maintaining safety and security.
Return to top
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.
Return to top
Will new computers, equipment and furniture be included in the Master Plan?
- The Master Plan will be prepared to accommodate current ASD standards for computer systems and equipment with an eye to creating a flexible structure that will accommodate future technology changes. Procurement and installation of new computers and equipments will be part of subsequently funded construction phases of the project.
Return to top
 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.
Return to top
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.
Return to top
How are parking and traffic circulation issues being addressed?
- The master planning team includes professional traffic planners who are working with a design focus group consisting of school, municipal and community representatives. The Master Plan may include additional access points or revisions to access points to relieve traffic congestion and improve circulation
Return to top
How can I get involved in the Master Plan process? How can I be notified or learn about progress, future meetings, information, etc. regarding the Master Plan?
- We encourage you to:
- attend public forums
- share thoughts by sending e-mails to westromig@risealaska.com (by sending an email, you will be added to a list notifying you of future public meetings)
- volunteer to participate in focus groups that include your particular interest
- check the project website at www.asdk12.org/renewal/HS/west_romig
Return to top |
|
 |
|
