The Board recognizes that comfortable and pleasant facilities are important functional components of the education process.  Facilities developed by the School Division should reinforce the educational programs and meet the needs of students by allowing for a variety of teaching arrangements and techniques.

Prioritization Process

In line with the objectives of the Division, the Board will endeavour to provide and maintain excellent educational facilities.  Staff will annually review and update the Five-Year Capital Projects Plan, and also identify Capital D requirements and expenditures for the Board’s consideration and approval.

Facilities Planning Advisors and Consultants

The Board may choose planning advisors and consultants to aid in making decisions regarding new facilities, major renovations, replacements of systems, or dealing with inadequate environmental conditions in schools.  Advisors or consultants usually include such persons as architects, engineers, Senior Administrators, Teachers and staff from the school concerned, and may also include members of the local Advisory Council for School Leadership or equivalent.

Educational Specifications

The development of new facilities or remodelling of existing facilities shall have as its foremost guidelines those considerations which are based on the educational philosophy and the goals and objectives of this Division.

Selection of Architect or Equivalent

The architect or equivalent for the planning of facilities or for renovations to facilities will be chosen by the Board.

Construction Cost Estimates and Determinations

The Board expects the architect or equivalent to present an estimate of the cost of the facilities under consideration.

Site Acquisition Procedure

With community input, the Board will determine the most suitable site for the facility construction or renovation, and inform the Public Schools Finance Board of the decision. (PSA 61 and 62)

Construction Contracts Bidding/Tenders and Awards

The final specifications for a project are approved by the Provincial Capital Planning Department.  The offer to tender, based on the specifications, is advertised by the architect or equivalent in the Winnipeg Builders Exchange, the Brandon Builders Exchange and /or other appropriate places.  An analysis of the tenders received is prepared by the Division architect or equivalent.  The contractor submitting the lowest bid is usually selected by the Board and recommended to the Provincial Capital Planning Department.  If the lowest tender is not selected, the Board must provide a rationale to the Provincial Capital Planning Department.  The Division is then advised of the final support extended to the project, including professional fees and allowances for land and furnishings.

Supervision of Construction

It is the responsibility of the architect or equivalent to supervise construction.  The Board expects the Maintenance Supervisor to follow construction developments and report to the Board periodically.

Construction Project and Insurance Program

The contractor is responsible for obtaining a bid bond, performance bond and liability insurance cover for construction projects.  The Division must supply property insurance if facilities renovations are being done.  In the case of construction of new facilities, the contractor supplies property insurance until the Board takes possession. (M.R. 468/88-43)

Board Inspection and Acceptance of New Facilities

The Board’s appointed planning committee shall inspect new facilities with the Maintenance Supervisor, the architect or equivalent, and the general contractor for the completed facility.  The Board will accept the new facility when satisfied with the work done.

Public Dedication of New Facilities

The Board intends to involve the community in the dedication of new or renovated School Division facilities.  No detailed procedure can be stated due to the varying circumstances that accompany the construction and acceptance of each facility. The Board will attempt to bring together the following groups of people at the dedication ceremony:

• Governmental authorities (Reeve, Mayor, Manitoba Education officials);

• Architects or equivalents;

• The contractor;

• Division personnel;

• Staff and students of the school;

• Trustees;

• Members of the local Advisory Council for School Leadership or equivalent;

• Parents and community members;

• Local media.

This list serves as a guideline and is not intended to be restrictive.  Banquets, guided tours, guest speakers, or presentations could be incorporated into the dedication program.