1. New Secondary School Construction Update
Scott Nielsen
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary
Scott Elias, PhD
Director, Innovative Learning Environment Design
November 28, 2018

2. Purpose & Outcomes
Review current project status, next steps, and preview draft schematic design of buildings
We are excited to share and review…
We will not be able to share…
Geographic location of the campus
Specifics of the site plan or related infrastructure
Vision and design principles for the new school building
Specifics about building materials, colors, mascots, or personnel
Conceptual design for classrooms, common areas, and general “flow” of the building
Specifics about academic, co-curricular, or extra-curricular programs

3. What we know…
Anticipated opening for the school year likely with grades 6-10
Grandfathering options will be recommended based on enrollment status and projections when we are closer to opening the campus
The school capacity is anticipated to be approximately 1600 students
Decisions on specific programs and activities will be made when the school is staffed

4. How we got here…
Cross-functional team of PSD educators has been meeting regularly since October 2017
Members of the team have visited more than a dozen schools around the country
In collaboration with our architect partners, the team has reviewed current research on learning space design and established guiding design principles

5. The challenge… What do we want our community to be?
What learning experiences support this vision?
How should our new schools enable this vision?
What are the smartest strategies for implementing and achieving this vision?

6. Guiding Principles ALL learners are accommodated
occupants are safe & feel safe
environments can adapt
innovation is sustained, collaboration is expected
teachers are supported
learning is connected

7. Guiding Principles (cont)
physical characteristics inspire learning
learning tools are readily available
communities are proud
environmental stewardship is ubiquitous
relationships are a cornerstone of learner success
relevance, personalization, and choice are key motivators for staff and students

8. Facilities Strategies
grades 6-12 are integrated, not separated (with certain exceptions)
there is one main entrance to the school (additional after hours and specialty entrances)
dining can extend beyond the cafeteria
wellness is emphasized throughout
nature is important to all (strong connections to the outdoors, physically and views)

9. Facilities Strategies (cont)
vertical connections and multiple stories are encouraged
library media center is not a public library
variety & choice vs standardization
balance of openness and security
blended / flexible commons areas

10. Prospect Campus Site

11. Want more information?
We have and will continue to post updates regarding all long-range planning projects on our website at