[Mpls] MPS Facilities Team

[MPS Communications]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2004

Media Contact:   Cheri Reese, Executive Director of Public Affairs, 
612-668-0230



      Planning team to assist Minneapolis Public Schools with Future
      Facilities Use


        Efforts coordinated with community engagement 

Minneapolis, Minn.--The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has selected a 
professional planning team to independently review district facilities 
and enrollment data and assist in the development of multiple scenarios 
for future use of school buildings.

The selected team includes local firms with national planning experience 
and perspectives. They will assist the district in developing multiple 
school closing scenarios and transition options intended to maintain 
quality schools. In mid-October, MPS administration will recommend 
multiple scenarios to the School Board, with an expected vote in November.

The independent consulting team consists of KKE Architects, Inc. of 
Minneapolis, who will focus on building and site uses. Kraus Anderson 
Midwest will assist in the assessment of building systems, scheduling, 
and related cost issues. Hazel Reinhardt Consulting Services will 
facilitate the demographic analysis and review. Allan Malkis Consulting 
will assist the team to examine strategies for change and their impact 
on community needs and concerns. Roger Worner Associates will provide 
consultation and research related to educational trends and future 
directions. Colliers Turley Martin Tucker will examine District asset 
management.

The team will work with the district to ensure planning is 
comprehensive, collaborative, and detailed before any scenarios are 
proposed.

The planning team regularly meets with the Community Engagement 
Consultant Collaborative to incorporate the work of the community 
engagement process. This coordinated effort aims to offer multiple 
scenarios that promote student achievement, support school choice, 
reflect the diversity of the community, and promote equity.

The planning team will seek input from the community to generate the 
criteria for scenario development. Initial meeting dates will be 
announced very soon and publicized broadly. The team will present their 
findings and encourage community dialogue before developing 
alternatives. By the end of September the planning team will conduct 
additional meetings requesting feedback on the identified issues, 
criteria, and possible realignment scenarios.

The community is invited to email comments or feedback to the planning 
team at mpsfacilities at kke.com <mailto:mpsfacilities at kke.com>.