SCR 19 - PROTOTYPE SCHOOL DESIGN SENATOR LEMAN moved to adopt CSSCR 19(HES), version B, as the working document of the committee. There being no objection, the motion carried. CHAIRMAN WILKEN explained the changes made in the committee substitute as follows. -On page 1, line 6, the word "critical" was changed to "crucial," and lines 14 and 15 contain some style changes for names. -On page 2, lines 1 through 6 contain suggestions submitted by Mr. Mackler, and line 7 addresses subarctic and arctic environments. -On page 2, lines 13 through 16 specify that the resolution is limited to K-6 schools and requires that engineering and design professionals who reside within the State are consulted on the prototype designs. -On line 19, language was added to require that the Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee be consulted, and language on lines 23 through 26 allows for the use of prototype components in designs when complete prototype designs are unsuitable. SENATOR LEMAN stated he would prefer the resolve clause, on page 2, lines 13 - 17, to request the Governor to direct the Department of Education (DOE) to evaluate the advisability of the use of prototype school designs, because DOE has concluded, from past experience, that a statewide application may be inappropriate. He believed it is totally appropriate for individual school districts to develop prototype designs for their own use. He suggested the following language changes: - on line 15, insert the word "architecture" before "design professionals; - on line 16, change "climate and conditions" to "climatic conditions". Number 140 SENATOR ELLIS said he supports the last change suggested by Senator Leman because that language covers a concern raised in previous testimony about seismic conditions. He questioned whether other types of design professionals will be excluded if the term "engineering and architect design professionals" is used. SENATOR LEMAN said he was not aware of any, but asked participants to let him know. MIKE MORGAN, Facilities Manager for DOE, thought Senator Leman's language covers the full spectrum of engineering and architectural services. SENATOR LEMAN said specialties, such as corrosion and acoustics, would be covered within that language. SENATOR ELLIS suggested using the phrase "statewide association of design professionals" instead to guarantee that DOE gets a wider geographical perspective. Otherwise, DOE could meet the requirement by consulting with one engineer and one architect. SENATOR ELLIS also questioned why the resolution specifies that prototypical designs be developed for K-6 schools only. CHAIRMAN WILKEN answered that junior highs and high schools are programmatically much more difficult to build and much more demanding. Most elementary schools offer the same core programs. If this effort is successful, it can be expanded to junior and high schools. MR. MORGAN agreed that K-6 school programs are more uniform and explained there is no state or national definition of the middle school format. Grades can range from 5-7, 6-8, or 7-9. As the grade levels change, program needs change. At the high school level, programs are structured in a variety of ways, which affects designs. One factor that made the Fairbanks prototype design a success is that the school district applied a uniform educational specification to all of the schools. Number 207 SENATOR ELLIS questioned whether the phrase "core school functions" is in the committee substitute. SHEILA PETERSON, committee aide, answered that phrase was replaced by K-6. SENATOR ELLIS asked Senator Leman his opinion on whether to go with his original suggestion or to include the phrase "association of design professionals." SENATOR LEMAN said it did not make a difference to him; his intent was to incorporate the community of architects and engineers involved in the consultation, when design information is solicited. MR. MORGAN said DOE would want to gather a full range of input on this subject, not just information from one or two professionals. DOE would need input from design professionals in at least the three major areas of the State: Southeast, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, where there are concentrations of those professionals. CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked if anyone would be excluded if the resolution references the statewide association. SENATOR LEMAN said he did not think so. The American Society of Civil Engineers has a statewide association which is broken down into different regions. He assumed DOE would consult by region. CHAIRMAN WILKEN said that concept would be developed and incorporated into a new committee substitute. SENATOR ELLIS noted his suggested language would be "for grades K-6 in consultation with statewide associations for engineering and architecture design professionals." CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked if Senator Ellis was making a motion. SENATOR ELLIS said not necessarily, but requested the committee mull it over. CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked if there was any objection from the committee to Senator Ellis' suggested language. MR. MORGAN asked if that language would limit consultations to associations and prevent direct queries to firms. He assumed DOE would want to do both. SENATOR LEMAN agreed with Mr. Morgan's concern. CHAIRMAN WILKEN said that language will be cleaned up and incorporated into a new committee substitute. SENATOR GREEN thought the phrase "who reside in the State" might have unintended consequences if a firm, operating in the State of Alaska, had an employee residing outside of the State. She felt the goal is to find a person who resides in the State and is familiar with local conditions. CHAIRMAN WILKEN said that will be taken into consideration in the new committee substitute. MR. MORGAN said he had no further testimony and that DOE supports the bill.