Justification (Continued) This request is rounded to $1.0 million dollars and distributed on a per student need basis as follows: Elementary Education $ 450;000 The equipment at the Elementary level (Regular, Model, and Special Projects) will be focused upon the instructional programs of reading, mathematics, and oral and written communications. The current lack of achievement on the part of a majority of the students in these areas requires that the D. C. Schools concentrate its every effort in providing the best instructional programs possible. Secondary Education 350,000 The equipment at the Secondary level (Regular, Model, and Special Projects) will also be focused upon the instructional programs of reading, mathematics, and oral and written communications. Because there is a massive remedial problem at the Secondary level, every effort is being made to strengthen these areas in order to provide each student with the fundamentals for participation in the Modern American Society. This equipment will be focused upon meeting these needs. Career Development 200,000 The D. C. School System is currently embarking upon a major effort to provide all students with marketable skills prior to leaving school. This request for equipment will be focused in the Vocational Schools as well as such facilities as the Skill Center and the programs to be housed in the former National Georgraphic Building. Agency Public Schools Scope of Work (Continued). 17-CAP-68 Page CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS Mr. NATCHER. We take up now Capital Improvements for the public school system where the amount requested totals $74,943,000 and 27 projects set out in order of priority on pages 17 CAP-I through 17 CAP-IV. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS First, do we have a general statement on Capital Improvements? Dr. SCOTT. Yes, Mr. Chairman. Mr. NATCHER. Dr. Scott, we would like to hear from you concerning the capital outlay request pending before the committee at this time. Dr. SCOTT. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I am pleased to have this opportunity to come before your committee to present the capital budget of the public schools of the District of Columbia for fiscal year 1972. Our total request is for $74.9 million, which includes $69.4 million for school projects, $4.5 million for permanent improvements and $1 million for new and improved educational equipment in schools throughout the system. SCHOOL PROJECTS Let me speak first of the school projects which comprise the major portion of the capital budget. These 25 projects, totalling $69.4 million, have all been reviewed by the Congress in previous years. Each has received authorization and funding for initial phases in the construction process. Seven of these projects represent requests for equipment purchases, which is the last phase of the construction process. These projects are scheduled for completion in the near future and require funds for the placement of equipment orders to assure the prompt opening of the buildings when construction is completed. Most of the remaining 18 school projects represent requests for funds for the second phase of construction services, which primarily cover the management of constuction, and for the actual construction funds. All of these projects have received prior funding, and it is necessary that they receive appropriations for the next phase in the construction process at this time. These 25 school projects reflect the cooperative effort of the Board of Education, the District Government, and the Congress to meet the critical facility needs of the D.C. Public Schools. The projects fall within the priorities established by the Board of Education; namely: (1) the elimination of overcrowding, (2) the replacement of obsolete facilities, and (3) the modernization of outmoded facilities. Let me speak briefly regarding our progress in each priority area. (1) OVERCROWDING Overcrowding is now concentrated in the Anacostia area of the city, which is geographically the far northeast and southeast sections of the District. Schools in this area have experienced overcrowding over the last 4 or 5 years as a result of rapid housing development. Eight of the 25 school projects requested focus on this first priority need in the Anacostia area. If these projects are approved as requested, crowding in this area will be eliminated within the next 2 to 3 years. I am certain that you and your committee are aware of the urgency of these projects. Another project in this priority is the elementary school for Fort Lincoln New Town. Schools in this area will be heavily overcrowded if housing construction proceeds according to schedule. (2) REPLACEMENT OF OBSOLETE FACILITIES The second priority is to replace obsolete school facilities. Nine of the 25 school projects requested meet this priority. These schools will replace several small buildings built before and during the early 1900's, which are totally inadequate today. In addition to their age, they do not have those instructional and ancillary facilities required to provide a comprehensive educational program. These buildings are not appropriate for modernization. The new buildings will have up-todate instructional areas as well as space for resource centers, art and music classes, speech classes, hot lunch facilities, and other essential educational needs. These nine projects are a part of a total plan to replace 38 obsolete schools with 27 new schools. Two of these projects are completely funded. Thirteen are partially funded, and 12 are included in the Capital Improvement 6-Year Plan. (3) MODERNIZATION OF OUTMODED FACILITIES Seven of the 25 school projects involve the modernization of outmoded facilities. These represent the continuation of a modernization program scheduled for completion in the next 5 years. Existing school buildings will be brought up to present approved standards, and be provided with those instructional and ancillary facilities mentioned above. In some instances projects will entail the construction of additional space, but will also focus upon remodeling facilities, including the provision of up-to-date electrical, lighting, and heating systems. New requests for major modernization projects will be presented to the Congress as we move through the coming years. PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS We have had a very successful permanent improvement program, and we want to continue this program with a request for $4.5 million to accelerate the programs of installing window guards, public address systems, automatic security devices, trash compactors, providing air conditioning, electrical modernization, and making major roof repairs in our existing school facilities. EQUIPMENT FOR NEW AND IMPROVED SERVICES Educational technology is playing an increasing role in learning. Most of the new instructional programs, including those in the critical areas of reading oral and written communications, and mathematics require a major investment in instructional equipment. We are requesting $1 million to continue our efforts to provide this necessary educational equipment in all of our schools. Mr. Chairman, I am sure that you and the members of your committee are aware of the critical facility problems of the D.C. Public Schools which have led to the major capital improvement program in which we are engaged. While this budget certainly represents a large dollar investment, it is low when balanced with the many years of neglect in the past. The concern which led to initiation of the capital improvement program was shared by all District officials and the Congress, and I trust that our cooperative efforts to meet these critical educational needs will continue with the approval of this budget. [Prepared by Department of Buildings and Grounds, D.C. Public Schools, May 28, 1971] VANDALISM The report on vandalism that is usually provided for the appropriation subcommittees is attached. The following table includes the cost of repairs for the first half of fiscal year 1971 that have been identified as attributable to vandalism and illegal entries: (a) To secure buildings (doors and windows) illegally entered____ $6, 337. 72 (b) Rewelding window guards broken by illegal entry--. (c) Arson (d) Miscellaneous Total 4, 530. 54 21, 401. 44 53, 182. 15 53, 182. 15 The following programs have been instituted to prevent vandalism, illegal entry, and molestation of pupils and teachers: 1. Provision of heavy steel bar-type window guards at ground level. 2. Installation of centrally monitored security alarm systems. 3. Provision of exceptionally strong storage rooms. 4. Modification of school banks to protect against armed robberies. 5. Provision of two-way intercommunicating systems between classrooms and central office primarily to protect against intruders. Vandalism by students is significant in some buildings, particularly in the secondary schools. Increased effort is indicated in the areas of school discipline and the apprehension of robbers and fences. SCHOOL BUILDINGS ERECTED DURING PAST 10 YEARS Mr. NATCHER. Dr. Scott, from time to time we are asked on the Floor when we present our bill as to how many new school buildings have been erected during the past 10 years. At this point in the record, we would like for you to insert the number of elementary and secondary, and high school buildings that have been erected during the past 10 years, together with the cost of each of these buildings and the total number of classrooms. Also, if you would, please designate the buildings by name. (The information follows:) |