Sponsor Statement for House Concurrent Resolution 24

Finance Committee Substitute

Use of Prototypical Designed Schools

The Deferred Maintenance Task Force received testimony on the cost savings and operational advantages of prototypical schools. Several communities use them today. The Task Force found that the savings in design cost and the ease of maintaining several identical physical plants offered the opportunity to fund more schools as the savings are achieved.

The resolution recognizes the success several school districts have had with prototype schools, the savings that can be achieved, and the need to recognize the unique climates in Alaska.

This resolution requests the Department of Education work with architects and engineers to develop prototype schools and with the bond reimbursement and grant review committee to develop incentives for districts to use them. The Department of Education is requested to report to the legislature by March 15, 1998, any statutory changes that may be needed to accomplish this goal.

One rural school district has expresses great interest in using a prototype designs for schools in its district. They are currently in discussions with the Fairbanks School District to learn from the Fairbanks experience.