Why does the Glenbrook facility need to be updated or replaced?

The building systems are at the end of their useful lives. Glenbrook opened in 1967.  It has not experienced a renovation. Infrastructure and major building systems are mostly original.  In 2021, a Facilities Condition Assessment concluded that Glenbrook was in immediate need of renovation or replacement.  Specific concerns include

1. Accessibility - Glenbrook is a split level building with no elevator

2. Fire suppression - no fire suppression system, fire alarm and other life safety systems not to modern code

3. Air handling system- antiquated and inefficient, in need of complete replacement

4. 17 of 34 classrooms have partial walls and no doors

5. The deficiencies of the mechanical and electrical system complicates a renovation of the existing open floor plan design;

6. The open design complicates a renovation of the mechanical and electrical system

7. School Security - The open, split level design compromises school security. Staff and students cannot be sheltered in secure spaces from internal or external threats; the sprawling design makes supervision difficult; the building cannot be segmented into locked partitions; there is not a secure vestibule for visitor screening and entry;

8. Plumbing - original fixtures and equipment

9. Electrical systems including lighting - original, undersized and underperforming

10. Roof - from 1998, will need to be replaced

11. Windows and doors - in need of replacement

12. Parking and roadways - in need of replacement and redesign

13. Air handling system - in need of complete replacement; 2 boilers that work inefficiently, in isolation

What are the educational limitations of Glenbrook?

1. Electrical limitations – inhibits technology integration, classroom configuration

2. Uneven heat, air quality, lighting; lack of natural lighting; poor thermal comfort

3. Repurposed classrooms – music in an old home economics class; STEAM in converted metal shop; Art in a converted wood shop

4. Inadequate space to support project based learning, digital learning, co-teaching, breakout learning

5. Accessibility - split level design, narrow doorways, undersized classrooms, non ADA-compliant fixtures

6. Library - limitations associated with layout and size

7. Science labs - undersized, outdated, lack accessibility and flexibility

8. Special education - inadequate space to accommodate diverse learners, specially designed instruction; no adequate space for adaptive/alternative physical education.

9. Design does not promote for project based learning, digital learning, co-teaching, breakout spaces

10. Generally the building does not promote flexibility, access, mobility; there is not a coherent pattern to the layout of the site and spaces within the building

11. Planning and conference space - very limited

Williams opened in 1959.  A 2015 study conducted by JCJ architects concluded that “All major         infrastructure systems have exceeded their life expectancy…..Simply said, the facility has reached the    end of its useful life. Building systems are in need of replacement…..”  The challenges include:

1. 1. Fire suppression - no fire suppression system, fire alarm and other life safety systems not to modern code

   2. Building security systems - inadequate, difficult to supervise, lockdown and partition the building

   3. Plumbing - original  fixtures and equipment

   4. Windows - Mostly original, mostly single pane; in need of replacement.

   5. Roof - dates to 1994 and has been identified for replacement

   6. Air handling system - in need of complete replacement

   7. Modular classrooms: Two at the end of their useful life

   8. Parking and roadways - in need of replacement and redesign

   9. Electrical systems including lighting - original 

What are the educational limitations of Williams?

JCJ Architects concluded the following in 2015: “The building is almost 60 years old and has seen little   significant investment or upgrade in that time. The pedagogy and theory of middle school education has moved beyond what the current building can accommodate.” Programmatically, the overall design, layout and functionality of Williams Middle School compromises the overall educational program.     Specific challenges include: 

1. Electrical limitations – inhibits technology integration, classroom configuration

2. Uneven heat, air quality, lighting

3. Repurposed classrooms – art, STEAM are in old metal and wood shops

4. Library - limitations associated with location, layout and size

5. Science labs - undersized, outdated, lack accessibility and flexibility

6. Industrial era design - doesn’t allow for project based learning, digital learning, co-teaching, breakout learning

7. Generally the building does not promote flexibility, access, mobility

8. Accessibility - undersized classrooms, non ADA-compliant fixtures and equipment

9. Special education - inadequate space to accommodate diverse learners, specially designed instruction; no adequate space for adaptive/alternative physical education.

10. Two temporary portable classrooms - serve Special Education students