MCPS properties plan: consultants report broad community input, 14 sites under review; open houses set for mid-September

Summary

Consultants and district staff told the Missoula County Public Schools board that a year-long properties study reached more than 1,300 survey respondents and evaluated 14 properties. The planning team will hold open houses the week of Sept. 15 and return recommendations and implementation steps later this school year.

Missoula County Public Schools officials and outside consultants gave the board an update on the district's multi-site properties review, reporting large community participation and a phased plan for analysis and decision-making.

Kate Dinsmore of WGM Group told the board the project now evaluates 14 properties (the original scope of 13 was expanded to add Jefferson Elementary) and is organized in four phases: define process and needs, data collection and analysis, plan development, and implementation. "The project is split into 4 phases," Dinsmore said.

Consultants said the engagement effort included targeted learning sessions with organizations that currently use district properties, planning-committee meetings, and an online survey distributed via MCPS listservs and neighborhood councils. Rachel Hafdoria, who led the engagement summary, said the team received more than 1,300 survey responses and that response patterns varied by property. She told trustees the Dickinson Building (Lifelong Learning Center), the Peace Farm (Duncan Drive), and Fort Missoula (Egg Center) drew large response shares because those sites have active users.

Survey findings reported to the board showed the public prioritized instructional space and student…

MCPS properties plan: consultants report broad community input, 14 sites under review; open houses set for mid-September

Summary

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