[Vision2020] discussion: school configuration

[Mark Seman]

Saundra, et al;
You are so right in perceiving this as a very complex issue.  Not only with
its multi-faceted programs of how to best meet the needs of MSD, but also as
it extends into the realms of community and urban planning.  I do not have
children in the school system any more, so my concerns are not so much
focused on how to meet the needs of MSD.  Whichever track is approved, it
will improve the current circumstances that our public school facilites
face.  However, I would hope that the adopted solution exhibits the highest
quality level attainable and is not just providing a level of mediocrity.
No matter what the subject, if there is a noticable character of quality, it
will standout from the mediocre and acceptable.  This character is the
foundation of value(s) that often is the catalyst to sustaining and
propelling future efforts.

This school district upgrade has so much potential for setting the direction
of Moscow for decades.  Community-wide patterns for infrastructure
development, land-use, traffic routes, growth, and more, will be influenced
by this "school" decision.  The April school levy will likely be ahead of
needed community planning efforts and we can continue as we have before.  I
am reticent about such a large school facilities project proceeding ahead of
overdue community planning efforts, but is it worth a year-long delay?  I
have no doubt that Moscow will be better off by getting planning ahead of
development and I want to see that happen.

There are so many possible avenues for community integration with the school
facilities, ice rink, HIRC, aquatics center, UI, NSA, City Hall, 1912,
library, fair grounds, courthouse, etc.  I don't know of a long-range plan
that identifies how these opportunities for integration are envisioned to
occur.  I think facilities have too often been viewed as individual
structures with little concern given to a more holistic community context.
The sooner our community comes together to discuss comprehensive development
issues, the sooner Moscow's future growth will become cohesive and coherent.
This is how we can maintain and enhance the quality of life we want to enjoy
in Moscow.   As for this bigger picture, I know the City will be revisiting
its Comprehensive Plan this year and I encourage everyone to become involved
and provide input to help define what Moscow is supposed to be.  This
planning process is a complex one as well and it begs for "community" to be
an integral part of "development."

Best regards,
Mark
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mark Seman, Architect
Heather Seman, Landscape Architect
Full Circle Studios
1404 East 'F' Street
Moscow, Idaho 83843
v 208-883-3276
f 208-883-0112
FCS at Moscow.com

-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com
[mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]On Behalf Of Saundra Lund
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 12:00 PM
To: 'Dan Carscallen'; vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] discussion: school configuration


Hi Dan,

I don't know if you've since found what you were looking for, but I found
the
District's newest School Connections (Winter 2005) newsletter helpful.  You
can
find it online at:
http://www.sd281.k12.id.us/Newsletter/District%20Newsletters/Winter%2005.pdf
OR
http://tinyurl.com/6qhl3

It is an *incredibly* complex issue, and I'm looking forward to learning
more
and hearing what others have to say about the pros/cons of the different
tracks.

And, I'd like to take this opportunity to offer ***major kudos*** to the
members
of the Facilities Planning Committee!  They have worked long & hard on their
mission, and regardless of the outcome, they've given incredible service to
our
community!


Saundra Lund
Moscow, ID

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do
nothing.
-Edmund Burke