Feasibility Survey: Carlos Gilbert Elementary School
This contract was for a very fast turn-around, due diligence-oriented
survey of the Carlos Gilbert Elementary School building in the Santa Fe,
New Mexico School District to provide decision-makers additional information
that might be useful in preparation for defining a scope of work for renovation
funds committed to the school by the School Board on recommendation of
the Citizens Review Committee.
The report was submitted in two parts:
1. The model in SketchUp (view the 3D
PDF [3MB file])
2. A formal written report,
with an update containing
information obtained after the report was submitted.
Our review of the building was necessarily very preliminary and superficial;
its main purpose was to identify areas that required in-depth investigation
and planning before work was begun on the school in order
to reduce the potential for unpleasant surprises mid-way through renovations
and to increase the probability of finishing work on time and on budget.
This report is not a full due diligence report, but only
a preliminary survey.
Independent Program and Project Analysis
This analysis was commissioned by a school board the majority of whose members felt strongly that not enough money was reaching the classroom. The mandate was to evaluate and verify operational functions and activities; identify problems, issues and weaknesses; and recommend solutions and potential improvements. A first draft report was published to the school community, feedback was solicited and a revised final report was published August 26, 2009. The IPPA identified up to $7,565,000 in potential savings or increased revenue opportunities for the school district. A few preliminary steps toward implementation of recommendations were taken, but full implementation has apparently been stalled for a number of unrelated reasons.