CENTROID - a4le.orgmedia.cefpi.org/pacificnorthwest/alberta/albertanews0401.doc · Web viewThe Centroid Team promised membership a Spring Centroid. As the first day of summer officially

APRIL / 2001 Volume 1.1

CENTROIDA Newsletter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International Alberta Chapter of the Pacific Northwest Region

Two or three years ago who would have imagined we would be where we are today in

educational facility planning and construction in Alberta. The completion of the audit of the physical condition of all schools in the province has provided hard evidence of the gravity of the situation faced by many school jurisdictions. The subsequent release of Capital Funding is helping educators make up for ground lost during the dark days of the nineteen eighties and nineties.What about considerations for the educational programme?.... This was the question most often voiced or heard during the Facility Audit. The administration of educational capital projects must stay tuned to the needs of an ever evolving learning process. At one time this process was tacit. However, the transfer of School Facilities to the sphere of Infrastructure from that of Learning requires a demonstration that this evolution is respected and incorporated. Our Spring Conference in Jasper offered a forum where the ‘bricks and mortar’ people could come to terms with the world of the educators. We are challenged by the concept of ‘life long’ or ‘whole life’ learning in education facilities.Construction guidelines and area guidelines for new and modernization projects are being reviewed by Alberta Infrastructure. It is hoped that these guidelines will address the variations faced by jurisdictions throughout the province.The diversity and unity of the CEFPI membership is a valuable resource. In the upcoming months, the Alberta Chapter will report on the efforts of Alberta Infrastructure. We also support ‘The Best of the Last Century’, an ongoing research project undertaken to help us understand the evolution of school buildings in Alberta. We will continue our efforts to establish a local Academy at the Regional and International levels. This Academy

will address local issues and bring the expertise of the International Organization closer to our doorstep.CEFPI Members are committed to providing stellar educational facilities for our students and our future.

The Alberta Chapter is committed to the recognition of these efforts. The upcoming years will be the stage for some of our greatest achievements.

John Wheatley

For the first time, CEFPI extended an invitation to the Alberta Association of Architects, Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Learning to join the chapter in presenting this years spring conference “New Century Learning Environments” held at the Jasper Park Lodge March 19 – 21, 2001.

The scuttlebutt is this year’s conference was the chapter’s best ever. This joint partnering increased attendance to a record high of 236 delegates; educators, planners, architects and construction professionals.

The conference focused on the theme “Where are we going” in response to the fundamental shift into the knowledge age to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge required for competing in a highly globalized world. As educators, architects, facility planners and construction professionals we must leave behind yesterday’s concept of education and incorporate the new vision of lifelong learning into how we plan and design physical learning spaces.

A panel presentation delivered by the four partners; Alberta Learning, Alberta Infrastructure, the Alberta Association of Architects and the Council of Educational Facility Planners covered the following topics:

the new century schools plan activities schools, conditions, numbers, and audit results enrolment trends

use and integration of technology life long learning and communities funding within the new century plan impact upon future infrastructure needs and

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Highlights of the 2001Spring Conference

President’s Message



design architecture and the new learning environments.

Guest speakers delivered sessions on “The Best of the Last Century – A Historical Record of Alberta’s Learning Environments” and “Architectural Opportunities for the Next 50 Years”.

The conference provided delegates with the opportunity to participate in round table discussions to explore the needs and examine solutions for future teaching and learning patterns and the architectural and technology solutions appropriate for the first half of the 21st century.

In these discussions, participants shared their experiences and measured what has been good and what has been bad in terms of educational facilities during the last several decades. They were encouraged to move ahead on the good things and rethink the bad by identifying new directions that might be worth trying and what barriers would have to be removed to allow those directions to be implemented.

In summary, delegates feedback was categorized around four main questions:

Does the school design process embrace all stakeholders?

Common Themes: define stakeholders (varies with each project) better communication with stakeholders

Promising Practices: early involvement of stakeholders

Follow-up Actions: modernize teachers as well as buildings allow more time for process allow more funding for process

Will technology replace schools?

Common Themes: technology will not replace schools need for human interaction and development of

social skills, listening skills, thinking skills, communication, physical fitness, etc

potential to embrace quality of education through equity of access, efficiency of course provision, customizing for special needs

need for schools to promote cultural identity important to lead the plan for technology use so

it is incorporated in areas and roles for which it most logically fits to enhance the teaching/learning process

enhances equity and program provision between rural and urban settings

critical to define technology to include elements such as graphing calculators

technology needs to be infused to varying degrees into the learning program

technology facilitates and enhances delivery versus replacing programs and entails a change in the role of the educator to become more of a facilitator and coordinator than a knowledge provider

enhances potential for lifelong learning to provide programs for pre-school, adult and senior learners

transition from basic to post-secondary needs to be addressed regarding the use of technology.

Promising Practices: evergreening of equipment as an ongoing

element of educational and facility maintenance planning

shared use of technical staff to leave teacher to do the educating and reduce staff turn over of technical support staff

jurisdictions sharing online programs with neighbors to expand program offerings where limited student populations are an issue.

Follow-up Actions: research on issues related to accreditation,

impact on student achievements, quality of resources, facility requirements for online programs, and standardization of delivery

possibly a jointly sponsored research project led through Alberta Learning, Alberta Information

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and Science, Alberta Infrastructure and partner organizations such as Canadian Association of School Superintendents, and Alberta School Boards Association

liaison across all divisions within Alberta Learning to ensure a seamless transition from pre-school to post-secondary education.

Communities, life long learning and the role of the school.

Common themes: sharing resources centre of community access security/maintenance bureaucratic barriers school as an icon of community.

Promising Practices: facilities showing an evolution/combination of

school/community use challenging funding rules/standards (working

the system) school as “Anchor” of the partnership resource for all ages, many people delivering

education.

Follow up Actions: ways of spanning the boundaries of

bureaucracies/owner groups.

The challenge of flexibility.

Common Themes: people need a “passion for change” how much flexibility is important? how affordable is maximum flexibility? flexibility of program flexibility of physical plant (built infrastructure) look to the future but build for the present flexibility has greater cost implications and

requires more funding funding should be from a number of different

sources standards and guidelines need to be flexible

flexible facilities with multiple uses take more time to plan

compromises in flexibility flexible/multi-use must adapt to change program

and program deliveries.

Promising Practices: flexible multi-use facilities will enable life long

learning flexibility and multi-use facilities will break down

barriers in policy and funding in the following areas: land use “Municipal Act”, community/municipalities, police, schools, health services, children’s’ services, U of A, recreation, seniors, post secondary, day-care and after school care, business/commerce, service organizations, religion, First Nations, language immersion, and technology

the new Area, Capacity and Utilization Standards and Guidelines are good first steps but need to go further in flexibility and providing suitable areas

multi-use schools have the potential to be centres of small rural communities

structure of facilities i.e. post and beam construction provides flexibility over load bearing walls

de-mountable partitions and modular furniture provide flexibility

partnerships: public/catholic, public/private, municipal/provincial/federal strengthens communities.

Follow-up Actions: initiate change in the funding of cross-

government programs in facilities provide Plant Operations and Maintenance and

Building Quality Restoration Program at adequate funding levels to support flexible/multi-use facilities

continue to review Area, Capacity and Utilization Standards and Guidelines to provide maximum flexibility for program delivery and technology

review on an ongoing basis Design and Construction Standards to provide building systems and support levels that allow for flexibility

take school facilities and related issues to teachers conventions

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review policy on legislation of cross government users in multi-use facilities.

Additional Comments: curriculum inhibits flexibility,

community/program use joint use agreements and reserve land

policies require change schools should not be guinea pigs for

technology development life long learning involves the school, church,

library, all community spaces, computers, television, telephones

value management workshops are essential to good planning and design and value for dollars

need for post-occupancy review and feedback a new impetus through Alberta Infrastructure review classroom sizes.

The “Historical Record of Alberta’s Learning Environments” requires completion and ongoing support. The four conference stakeholders representatives (Lynn Webster, President, Alberta Association of Architects, Malcolm Johnson, Executive Director, Alberta Infrastructure, Donna Smith, Executive Director, Alberta Learning, and Eric Lumley, Past President, Council of Educational Facility Planners International) agreed to request an action plan from the consultant together with associated costs and then review participation and further funding support.

Past President’s Award– Eric Lumley

President’s Award – Laurel Cook

Merit Award – Wayne Heartwell

Kulba Award – Livingstone Range School Division No. 68 and Marshall &Associates

Outstanding Design for New Construction – I.V. Macklin School

Grande Prairie School Division No. 2357 and Workun Garrick Architects & Associates

Outstanding Design for Modernization – James Fowler High School

Calgary Board of Education and Stantec Architecture

The Centroid Team promised membership a Spring Centroid. As the first day of summer officially isn’t until June…I think we‘ve made it. This year’s conference was a huge success! Many new faces attended and expressed an interest in joining the chapter. This next year promises to continue to be exciting as we forge ahead in new directions.During the course of the conference, many delegates expressed an interest in receiving a summary of the conference, in particular feedback from the round table discussion. To this end, we have dedicated this issue to highlights of the conference.The Centroid Committee welcomes the submission of any article you would like to share with our membership.Have a great summer! Laurel Cook

Conference dates are:

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Awards – 2000

Mark Your Calendar !!!

Chapter ProjectsEditor’s Message



PNR Regional, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, July 18 - 21, 2001, Delta BessboroughHotel, registration information Keith Henry, [email protected]

CEFPI International Conference, Denver Colorado, October 17 - 20, 2001,Marriot City Centre and Colorado Convention Centre

Alberta Chapter Fall Conference, Calgary, Alberta, October 11, 12, 2001Mark October 11 & 12 in your appointment books for the CEFPI - Alberta Chapter, Fall Conference. This years location is the new “must see” Bishop Byrne High School/YMCA/Public Library in south Calgary. The conference promises to be an insightful look at the processes of joint use facility planning, design, construction, and operation. Guest speakers representing the various user groups will discuss the process from their respective points of view and planned break out sessions will provide the opportunity to voice thoughts on the topic. Of course the conference wouldn’t be complete without a round of golf, so Mackenzie Meadows Golf Course is the proposed location for the final break out session. Further details and registration information will be available soon.

The provincial election held in Alberta March 12, 2001 resulted in a number of significant changes to the Alberta Government. One of those changes

separated transportation issues from other infrastructure issues and created two new departments -- Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Transportation. On March 15 the Honourable Ty Lund was named Minister of Alberta Infrastructure, and Maria David-Evans was named Deputy Minister. Mr. Lund was previously Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Ms. David-Evans was previously Deputy Minister of Learning.

Alberta Infrastructure is responsible for managing the development of seniors' lodges, school and post secondary and health care facilities; andthe planning, construction, operation and maintenance of cultural/historical, correctional and other provincial government facilities. The ministry is also responsible for provincial land realestate, the operation of the executive vehicle and air fleets and the implementation of Alberta's energy rebate program.

CEFPI Memebership Changes

CEFPI International has made some significant changes to it’s website, which were unveiled April 1, 2001. One of the new features is an online membership directory. To further enhance communication between regions and headquarters, local CEFPI chapters are now able to post chapter information on this website ( http://www.cefpi.com/), as we have done with Centroid.

2001 Annual Membership Fees

Dues Categories Canada

Individual $320 CDN Institutional Single $290 CDN Corporate -first three (3) members $890 CDN

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New Directions

Changes on the Infrastructure Scene



Each additional member over three $290 CDN

Institutional Group -first three (3) members $800 CDN Each additional member over three

$260 CDN

Student $55 CDN

1. In his somewhat overbearing presentation, “Architectural Opportunities for the Next 50 Years”, Guest Speaker, Tim O’Malley offered the following websites as good sources for keeping up to date on changes in technology:www.infoseek.comwww.losalmos.comwww.nassa.com

2. The Conference kicked off with Canadian author, Linda Edgecombe, who showed us “ that it is possible to be both happy and active”. Her mission was “to get you laughing on the outside while you lighten up on the inside”. And she did. We chuckled at her demonstration of the “Psycho Geometrics” test and many of us learned just how accurate this test is.

Linda has generously permitted us to publish an excerpt from here book “Vibrant Energy in Motion” for those of us who want to take the test again or try it out on others.

So We’re All about 35ish.

My guess is that as you read this book you too are about 35ish. Maybe you are 45ish, 55ish, maybe even 65ish. But here’s what I came to realize around 35ish. This thing (body) I’ve been given. is what I have to work with. I can’t trade it in, I can only renovate. So whether you are tall, short, thin, chubby,

blonde, grey, brown or bald. This is it. Get over it. You see, we spend tons of energy throughout our lives trying to be something we’re not. And if you are truly going after the ultimate goal of happiness, you must get over yourself. So lets take a look at how similar and how different we really are.

BoxTriangleSquiggleCircle

This particular test has been around for years. It’s called Psycho Geometrics. It has no scientific basis but is so on the mark it’s frightening.

Here’s the rules. Choose one of these symbols that appeals to you more than any of the others. You may like a couple, you may even like three. I’ve never met anyone who likes all four and if you are sitting there saying to yourself “Hum, I don’t like any of them!” Well let me just tell you that you are a triangle.

Box: AKA Drivers/Controllers. Well these folks like structure. They like everything in it’s place and everything has a place. They like making their decisions based on information and they make them fast. They do not like talking about personal stuff at work and really don’t feel it belongs there. Their biggest fear is being out of control or at least appearing to be out of control. They are great visionaries and can lead and push their teams to do their best. In most crowds you make up less than 1% of the population.

Triangle: AKA Thinkers/Analyzers. Well because this is the most mathematical of all the symbols, those of you who like to “figure” things out are attracted to this shape. You are great researchers, very resourceful and love gathering information. I always like to say that information gathering to you is an erotic experience as you tend to gather, and gather and gather info. As your biggest fear is making a mistake, so you will do and redo and redo. You base your decisions on information but you like

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Side bars

http://www.nassa.com/

http://www.losalmos.com/

http://www.infoseek.com/



making your decisions slow, just to make sure you don’t make those mistakes. In most crowds you make up about 3-5% of the population.

Squiggles: AKA Socializers/Promoters . Well what can I say but you folks are here for a good time, not a long time. Everything to you is a window of opportunity. Fun, Fun, Fun. That’s your life long motto. You don’t take no for an answer in fact you don’t ask permission, you just do whatever you want and beg for forgiveness afterward. You also find yourself saying to yourself, “I’ve gotten by on personality this long, let’s just see if I can push this one more day..” Your biggest fear is boredom. Well and of course not being invited to the party. You have great energy and enthusiasm for almost everything, but lack the discipline to follow-up and focus. Just sit and think for a moment how you do your housework. Scary isn’t it? You make your decisions based on emotion and you make them fast. This group makes up the majority of the population about 75%.

Circles: AKA Realtors/Supporters. I always say I should start with these folks as their biggest fear is not being included. They are the best listeners, who really do care about the rest of us. They do wear their hearts on their sleeves and can tell with a quick glance at their calendars, who’s birthday, anniversary or retirement is coming up as they have all this info documented in their day timers. You can peg these folks as there is just something about their look that says “Hug Me”. They usually have dried flowers in their offices, candy dishes and pictures of all their kids, their kids, kids and of course every pet they’ve ever had. They have a tough time with the word NO and when ever they say it, they feel GUILT.

Here’s what I do know. You have always known who you are and what your basic style has been. It for some reason takes us some living to come to grips with the fact that we don’t change and if you are like most of us, truly going after that ultimate goal of “Happiness” then get over yourself and start being just you. Save your energy for the cold days. Don’t get me wrong, all of us wear different facades at different times in our lives. Get

comfortable in your own skin, it takes too much energy to keep on the mask. Deepak Chopra says “Our greatest Purpose is to be Ourselves” . As I like to say “the rest is just details”.

Written by Linda EdgecombeLinda is a Motivational Speaker, Author and Humorist

Find out more about her programs and books at: www.lindaedgecombe.com

New logo to start the 2001 year

We had a marvelous conference at the Jasper Park Lodge in March. I hope everyone enjoyed it! This conference, we tried several new things: including

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New Look for CEFPI – Alberta Chapter

Report From David Clinckett Treasurer

http://www.lindaedgecombe.com/



linking up with the Alberta Association of Architects, Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Learning and extending the invitation to all Alberta school boards and consulting firms. Our efforts resulted in the largest conference turnout ever, with a total of 236 delegates, which was wonderful.Traditionally, our chapter subsidizes a portion of the registration, and with this many delegates, the cost incurred was far greater than anticipated.

The CEFPI Executive has made the decision to be much more frugal in the future. To that end, the chapter will be looking for sponsorship for theupcoming fall conference and subsequent conferences, until our financial position is more palatable.

Your continued support through membership and conference attendance would be most appreciated!

CALGARY BOARD OF EDUCATION

MANAGER, STUDENT ENROLMENT AND PLANNING

Competition #156

With approximately 100,000 students, 9500 staff, 1.2 million square meters of facility space, and a budget of $603 million, the Calgary Board of Education is one of Canada’s largest school districts serving the needs of a large, diverse and growing urban population. Known for its leadership, diverse programs, and innovative system design within a collaborative culture, the Calgary Board of Education is focussed on providing quality education to all of its students across 223 unique facilities. The Manager reports directly to the Director of Student Accommodations Services who has responsibility for student enrolment projections and land use planning; design, modernization and construction of schools; leasing and disposition of school board properties; and the transportation of 30,000 students.

The Calgary Board of Education offers a competitive compensation package including a salary range from $67,731 to $84,664 annually.

The purpose of this position is to proactively lead and manage the Student Enrolment and Planning Branch within the Student Accommodation Services Department at the Calgary Board of Education. This position plans, organizes, and administers student enrolment projections and land use planning processes through effective analysis of trends, developmental pressures and internal and external data systems.

The Manager is accountable for the development and ongoing monitoring of new and existing school facility plans, sector planning for assessing accommodation needs, facilitating changes to designated schools, preparing and monitoring the Capital Plan Submission and other related school and school communities planning needs. The Manager is also accountable for developing and monitoring related statistical databases, student enrolment and projections data, and the timely communication of this data to meet system staffing

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2001 Executive

President – John Wheatley - [email protected] Elect – Andrew Farnum - [email protected] – Wayne Heartwell - [email protected] – David Clinckett - [email protected] President – Eric Lumley - [email protected]

Committee Chairpersons

Awards – Roland Charpantier - [email protected] – Laurel Cook - [email protected],Membership – Doug Ramsey – [email protected]

Message Board

mailto:[email protected]



needs. A collaborative approach to decision-making and involvement in public meetings with communities and schools in matters related to student enrolment, and accommodation planning is also required.

The successful candidate will have a university degree in urban planning, management studies, geography, or an equivalent discipline related to student accommodation planning, with a minimum five years progressively more responsible planning and analysis experience. An understanding of school system accommodation requirements or experience in the public sector is a strong and preferred asset.

Excellent management and leadership skills are a must, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated political sensitivity and collaborative approach to public consultation; strong customer service orientation, exceptional communication skills and strong expertise in management effectiveness leading, and promoting change, is essential. Must be able to work effectively under relatively tight timelines. An understanding of the application of demographic and population based planning support system software is required. The

ideal candidate will also be skilled in the Microsoft Suite of Computer applications.

For additional information please contact (403) 294-8269.

We thank you in advance for your interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants who are offered employment will be required to provide a police security clearance before employment is confirmed. Full job descriptions available on the Internet at www.cbe.ab.ca

Please submit a resume by 4:30 p.m. Friday June 1, 2001 and refer to the competition # 156

Human Resources, Support StaffingCalgary Board of Education515 Macleod Trail SECalgary, AB T2G 2L9Fax: (403) 294-8333

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Documents

CENTROID - a4le.orgmedia.cefpi.org/pacificnorthwest/alberta/albertanews0401.doc · Web viewThe Centroid Team promised membership a Spring Centroid. As the first day of summer officially