Tag: schools (2)

Educational Design + ALEP

EDUCATIONAL DESIGN | ACCREDITED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT PLANNER Edward J. Kodet, Jr., FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, recently completed the certification process for the ALEP Credential, a mark of excellence developed to reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities of a competent learning environment planner. The ALEP credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify those in the educational environment industry who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of learning environment planning. The ALEP certification is the industry standard for all professionals engaged in planning, designing, operating, maintaining, and equipping learning environments at all levels of education. With Mr. Kodet’s completion of this process, he has aligned himself with the standards of 21st century teaching and learning ideals, and incorporating the most current and relevant information regarding the school facility industry. The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE),is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where children learn. Mr. Kodet’s certification has equipped him with the latest knowledge base in learner needs and styles, Community Engagement and Master Planning, Educational Facility Pre-Design, Educational Architectural Designing, Capitol Project Management and Assessing the School Facility. The CEFPI states, “An individual who has been certified by CEFPI has achieved the highest qualification in our profession. Clients can appoint ALEPs with confidence that they have been examined for competence by our association.” After meeting eligibility requirements and submitting an application, ALEP candidates must pass a rigorous ALEP exam. Once a candidate has earned the credential, they must maintain it by fulfilling certification renewal requirements every three years, in addition to maintaining minimum continuing education units each year. Mr. Kodet has worked with multiple school systems in his career. Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. and Mr. Kodet have a history of delivering projects on time and under budget, while still […]

Long Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue

LONG-TERM FACILITIES MAINTENANCE REVENUE Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue, (LTFM) program was established in the 2015 Education Act.  Intended for school districts, intermediate districts, other cooperatives, and charter schools. New legislation was passed during a special session in July 2015 that provides revenue increases for school districts not currently eligible to participate in the Alternative Facilities Bonding and Levy program. Legislation requires that districts develop a 10 Year Facilities Maintenance Plan adopted by its board.  The program funds deferred maintenance expenditures for projects which are attached to or part of a building and replaced on an equal exchange basis. PHASED  Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue includes a three year phased approach beginning in FY 2017 FY 2017 Districts will receive up to $193/pupil FY 2018 Districts will receive up to $292/pupil FY 2019 Districts will receive up to $380/pupil Figures are prorated for districts with an average building age of 35 years or less. This program replaces the former Health and Safety and Deferred Maintenance revenue programs and associated funding. The LTFM Revenue is an equalized levy, which means the State of Minnesota will pay for a portion of the revenue depending on the district’s property value.  The equalizing factor is set at 123% of the State average Adjusted Net Tax capacities. KEY ELEMENTS Equalizing Factor high enough that a significant number of districts qualify for aid. Set as a % of state average ANTC/pupil. If property value increases statewide the equalizing factor will also increase. Agricultural Land in a district is not counted when calculating district’s value/pupil. ALLOWED USES Deferred Capital Expenditures and maintenance projects necessary to prevent further erosion of facilities. Increasing accessibility of school facilities. Health + Safety Projects under MN Statues (123B.57) NOT ALLOWED USES  Construction of New Facilities, Remodeling Existing Facilities or the Purchase of Portable Classrooms […]