January 2014
Trenton Central High School Slated for Reconstruction
TRENTON, N.J. — The aging and dilapidated Trenton Central High School is now on track for replacement. Gov. Chris Christie has given his support for the project, and was seconded by a unanimous vote from the Trenton School Board on Jan. 27.
Missouri’s Fastest-Growing District Opens High School
ST. LOUIS — Wentzville R-IV School District (WSD) opened the $40.3 million Liberty High School in St. Louis in the fall to accommodate growing enrollment. This is the third and newest high school for the fastest growing school district in Missouri, which continues to grow by 500 students annually and has more than doubled since 2000.
Pennsylvania School Districts Wait for $1 Billion
HARRISBURG, Penn. — Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration continues to warn that next year’s budget may have an estimated $1.2 billion deficit as a result of a spike in pension payments needed to cover decades of “unfunded liabilities.” At the same time, Pennsylvania school districts are still waiting for $1 billion in funding from the state, and citizens are not happy about it.
Berkeley Schools Invest in Safety Training, Facility Upgrades
BERKELEY, Calif. — On the advice of two separate consulting firms, the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) school board has voted to invest $2 million in a variety of school safety initiatives.
John K. Ramsey
The Board of Directors of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) recently contracted current CEO John K. Ramsey for a further six years. Ramsey has served the industry in multiple capacities, including government relations, marketing/communications, membership and as an executive director and chief executive officer.
Fitness System
The Energi series by Playworld Systems is designed to help make fitness a priority within school communities. Energi stations combine functional fitness and body-weight training to deliver a synergistic workout that connects all five of the body’s major anatomical systems, and exercises nearly all bones and muscles. Systems are available for ages 9 to 14 and 13 and up, and offer dozens of unique exercises. These systems also come with detailed lesson plans, athletic programs for coaches and activity logs to track user progress.
Stillwater Schools Design for Singularity
A magnetic use of color and the incorporation of the serene natural surroundings have created two singular designs for the children of Stillwater Public Schools.
N.C. School Sets New Standard for Sustainability
LUMBER BRIDGE, N.C. — With a cutting-edge financing model and a groundbreaking facility, Sandy Grove Middle School marked a turning point in both sustainability and school construction.
Southwestern Law School’s First Residence Earns LEED Platinum
LOS ANGELES — The Residences at 7th, a new 133-unit residence hall on the Southwestern Law School campus in Los Angeles, was recently awarded LEED Platinum certification. This modern, non-smoking structure was recognized for a highly sustainable design, careful use of construction materials and resources, recycling efforts and its close proximity to public transit.