701.1.  FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT GOALS

1.        Purpose

Two (2) general types of facilities are constructed and utilized by the District; those for use in the instructional program and those for other purposes such as administration, instructional resources, and ancillary services. Buildings used for instruction constitute one of the most important resources of instruction. Their adequacy of space and their specific design features either contribute to or detract from the quality and scope of learning. Priority in the development of facilities shall be based on identified educational needs and on programs developed to meet those needs.

2.        Guidelines

The processes of facilities design should utilize expertise of the local and central office staff, the Pennsylvania Education Agency and such other available sources as shall be determined by the Board, the Superintendent, Business Manager and administration of the District. The latest and best information and ideas regarding educational facilities shall be utilized for planning within the District. With a view to achieving the District's central purpose of high quality education, and acting also with fiscal responsibility, the District shall strive not for the cheapest but for the most economical construction which adequately meets requirements for quality education, safety, durability, maintenance, insurance, and flexibility.

The Board established these broad goals for development:

1. To integrate facilities planning with other aspects of planning in a comprehensive program of educational problem-solving.
   

2. To base educational specifications for school buildings on identifiable learner needs.
   
3. To design for sufficient flexibility to permit program modification for the installation of new programs.
   

4. To design school buildings as economically as feasible, providing that the learner needs are effectively and adequately met by the design.
   
   
   

5. To involve the community, local school staff, available experts, and the latest in related current developments and research in building plans and specifications.
   

6. To design school buildings for maximum potentiality for community use.