Twenty-seven stakeholders, including Fernway staff and faculty, parents and community members, and District administrators, met with Van Auken Akins Architects on September 14, 2018, to participate in a charrette focused on Fernway Elementary School.
Review the agenda for the meeting.
Insightful dialogues were held to begin the process of designing and planning for the reopening of the school. As a benchmark, the group also reviewed the previous work completed on the Fernway Master Plan and Visioning Process:
While the fire was a tragedy, the rebuilding process allowed the group to consider how to upgrade the Fernway space while maintaining its historical nature. For example, the group discussed how to integrate innovative and flexible learning spaces and modern technology. The group also discussed improvements to the building infrastructure, such as central air-conditioning, an elevator and other ADA upgrades. Fire Chief Sweeney also spoke with the group about life safety structures and upgrades that will be included in the new building.
Throughout the day, consideration was given as to how the Fernway rebuilding process will support key district priorities around topics such as equity, pre-kindergarten programming and technology innovation. All stakeholders had the opportunity to provide input and feedback from the broader community was also reviewed. Much of the group’s discussions centered on how the renovated building will best support student learning.
Shaker Schools was very appreciative of all stakeholders and their expertise in education, school plant, historical context, or neighborhood survey information.
The Board of Education is scheduled for a work session on the Fernway project on September 25, 5 p.m.-7p.m. at the High School Upper Cafeteria.