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Joint Use Public schools are, first and foremost, centers of teaching and learning, but they also can serve as hubs of active civic life in vibrant communities. Sharing school space with non-school users can yield educational, economic, and environmental benefits for both districts and communities. This innovative practice of joint use, however, must be grounded in fair, transparent policies that are driven by accurate financial data and aligned with the larger municipal planning framework.
Developed by the 21st Century School Fund and the Center for Cities and Schools at UC Berkeley, this site provides tools and resources to help leaders and managers learn about, determine, and implement the most effective joint use policy for their district.
Education Program Specifications-- [ abstract] Educational specifications describe in writing the facility requirements that will fulfill the educational and community vision for your school. They include a description of the site development, educational and community philosophies and programs, performance expectations, and space requirements for the school improvement project. Large school districts may have educational facility planners on staff or facilities planners or architects to develop the “ed specs.” In small districts, the superintendent or designer will spearhead the effort. Regardless of the size of the district, the ed specs need to be formulated with input from teachers, parents, students, the principal, other local school staff, neighbors, and any program or service agencies that use the building or may be part of a plan to use the building in the future. Teachers and other staff, as permanent users of the space, should be particularly involved in the development of the ed specs.
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Feasibility Studies-- [ abstract]  The feasibility study provides an analysis and comparison of the various options as defined by the problems being solved. It will address such questions as: Are the core facilities in a school sufficient to support a large classroom addition? Can the existing structure support the addition of a second floor? How does the cost to modernize a school compare to replacing it? Ultimately, the cost of each option is key to finalizing a plan.
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Space Planning Worksheets-- [ abstract] A key element of space planning is estimating the size of every space that is anticipated to be used in a school facility. The Excel worksheets will help you take your text description of your school’s vision and program and translate it into the specific types and sizes of spaces you are likely to need in your school to adequately and efficiently support your enrollment and activities.
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