The high school building and grounds renovation is the driving central focus of the project, and yet the possibility of extending design and practice beyond the physical facility, both literally and figuratively, is tremendously challenging and exciting. From the outset, we have recognized that the improvement and modernization of the building (1960's vintage) should be paralleled by a similar modernization and visioning of our educational constructs and practices. A $10 million investment in our facility should reflect new designs and opportunities for instructional design, programmatic opportunities, school/community connectedness and transparency, and creative, sustainable dynamics across a range of educational and community values.

We have balanced the possibilities of renovating the existing facility with constructing a new one. There are significant factors on both sides of the issue. Our bonding capacity appears to be marginal at best for a completely new facility. The present site is wonderfully accessible for the community and yet it is either within or adjacent to floodplain and possible floodway constraints. Renovating the existing building appears to be the responsible alternative to building new from the LEED standpoint. On the other hand, an enticing and exciting perspective may be found in the positive influence of a culture of "new possibilities" represented by a new building, as opposed to the history and baggage of the old. Not to be missed in that cultural dichotomy is the possibility that new possibilities may be powerfully articulated and created through the G - Y Framework.

Finally, we imagine the possibility of redesigning our entire educational paradigm around the G - Y Framework.

GY Framework Progress:

The Livingston School District is in the preliminary stages of exploring best options for facilities renovation or construction. The GY-Framework plays a critical role in the analysis of what the school district is trying to accomplish. They are looking at curriculum design, opportunities for connections between schools and community.