The BEX IV Building Levy that was passed by the voters in February 2013 is expected to fund the building of a new elementary school on the site of Arbor Heights Elementary School, with the expectation that this new building will open for the 2016-17 school year. The opportunity falls to us to envision what the new school will be. You are invited to apply to join the Design Advisory Team that will work with the architects to craft the concepts and specifications that the architectural team will use in designing the new building.

The Design Advisory Team will be composed of current Arbor Heights’ staff and families as well as neighborhood residents. Our goal is to form a working team of 10-12 individuals who can commit to six formal meetings over the course of April and May and two additional future meetings. Our goal is to have the recommendations complete before June 2013 so that architects can be ready to move to the next phase soon thereafter.

The following dates have been scheduled for the Design Advisory Team workshops. Team members must commit to attending all of the following workshops.

Workshop #1: Wednesday April 10, 2013, 4 pm-6 pm
Community Conversation: Friday April 12, 2013, 6:30 pm-8 pm
Workshop #2 (School Tours): Saturday April 20, 2013, 8 am-4 pm
Workshop # 3(Design Charrette): Saturday April 27,2013 9 am – 1 pm
Workshop #4: Wednesday May 8, 2013, 4 pm-6 pm
Workshop # 5: Thursday May 23, 2013, 4 pm-6 pm
Workshop #6 (Optional): Thursday May 30, 2013 4 pm-6 pm
Community Conversation, week of June 3, 2013

We are seeking a Design Advisory Team well balanced with community knowledge, instructional experience, and design expertise. Please complete the application, and email the form to Christy Collins at Arbor Heights Elementary School (cacollins@seattleschools.org), or bring your application to the main office at 3701 SW 104th Street, Seattle, WA 98146. Applications are due by 3:00pm on April 2, 2013.

The Design Advisory Team selection will be made by the team overseeing our project: Seattle Public School Facilities Director, Construction Manager, Director for Planning and Bassetti Principal Architect and Associate/Project Manager and Principal Collins.

Thank you for considering making this important contribution to the future of children in West Seattle.

Sincerely,

Christy Collins, Principal
Arbor Heights Elementary School