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Schools
Schools

on a Mission
on a Mission

DC Continues its Ambitious Revamp

of Educational Facilities

by Denise Liebowitz

Photos © Ken Wyner, Ken Wyner Photography
During the past 20 years, Washington has been engaged in a school buildings each year in DC,” said Andrea Swiatocha, AIA,
sweeping modernization of its public school buildings. In the deputy chief of facilities at DCPS. “Across the country, this rate
1980s and ’90s, public outcry over the crumbling condition of is really unprecedented.”
city schools—from leaking roofs and rat infestations to missing In spite of the daunting scope of its undertaking, the city
windows and non-functioning bathrooms—set the stage for has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serious
change. A 1987 lawsuit by Parents United requiring District of architecture that responds to the unique needs and aspirations
Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to comply with city fire codes, of each school. Rather than impose cookie-cutter prototypes,
followed by years of community activism and negotiation, the city has established Education Specifications (“Ed Specs”):
finally resulted in a city-wide plan for a fully funded guidelines for space, design features, and educational programs
modernization program. that serve as benchmarks for each school modernization. They
While there have been challenges surrounding cost over- are intended as a framework that establishes equity across
runs, construction delays, and equitable distribution of funding the school system and gives architects, school leadership, and
across all city wards, the achievement of the modernization the community flexibility for creativity. In addition, a School
campaign is undeniably impressive. Since 2000, 70 schools have Improvement Team is formed at every school where a major
been completely overhauled, representing a total investment of capital project is scheduled. These teams, composed of teachers,
more than $4 billion. And eight more are in the active pipeline. school staff, neighbors, parents, even students, help tailor the
“We are opening between three and five completely modernized project for their school.

14 SCHOOLS ON A MISSION