Capital Planning, Construction & Maintenance

 

When selecting consultants, Minneapolis Public Schools uses the Quality Based Selection System (QBS) which is based on credentials and expertise, while fees are discussed only after the selection of the best-qualified firm.

If upon selection a fee cannot be agreed upon with the selected firm, then negotiations will proceed with the second ranked firm and so on. This system is supported by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as well as the American Council of Engineering Companies.

During all phases of a project, the architect is responsible to the owner's representative.

Doing business with Minneapolis Public Schools

• Selection Process for Architect/Design Consultant
• Statement of Qualifications
• Contract for Consultant Services 2017 (sample)

 MPS Revit and Drafting Standards   --  MPS Revit and Drafting Standards

 Food Service Equipment List

All gifted and volunteer construction projects are subject to the approval of Capital Planning and Project Development and must conform to:

• Current industry-standard building codes.
• Current industry-standard construction safety regulations.
• MPS design guidelines and requirements.
• MPS master specification requirements. See Master Specs list below.
• MPS master plan (to be developed).

Donated Funds

1. Standards of Operations – Capital Construction Process for Accepting Donated Funds for Capital Construction
2. Once the procedure has been reviewed and written permission obtained by the site administrator (e.g., principal), use the Small Capital Request Form to submit your request (for MPS staff use only).

Naming District Facilities

Re-naming of District facilities is subject to Board Policy 7960 and is subject to Board of Education approval.

Minneapolis Public Schools has convened a diverse group of individuals to advise operations staff on the upcoming MPS capital projects. The work of this group will focus on the development of the FY19 Capital Plan recommendations. This group will serve as a foundation to the development of a standing Community Advisory Committee that will review and advise for operational areas, which include Capital Planning, Transportation, Facilities, Nutrition and Health & Safety, to help ensure each school is safe and welcoming for all students, families and staff.

Members of this advisory group will have the opportunity to:

• Represent various stakeholder perspectives on capital improvement priorities within the district
• Give feedback on the district’s efforts to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students
• Provide guidance and input on current and future school design models
• Evaluate staff proposal for $20M planned FY 19 capital improvement recommendations to the MPS Board of Education
• Connect with other MPS parents, students, school and district staff

Below are some frequently asked questions pertaining to Capital Planning. If you have additional questions, email us and we'll get them answered and posted here.

Question	Answer
Some schools have solar panels- how are these projects funded? Does MPS pay for these projects?	Typically, solar panel projects are funded through grant monies or third party partnerships.
There have been quite a few kitchen remodel projects- why doesn’t Culinary Wellness Services (Nutrition) pay for their own kitchen remodels since that department makes a profit?	Fixed kitchen assets are not covered by Federal dollars and need to be paid for by Capital Improvement dollars
Are schools with low enrollment considered for capital improvements?	In the FY 18 and FY 19 plans, we did not invest in expanding enrollment. The 2020-2024 5-year capital plan will be informed by the Comprehensive district assessment currently underway. Current enrollment less of an indicator for capital renewal projects. The district will carefully consider whether to recommend capital improvement projects where enrollment is well below the building’s capacity, pending the outcome of the district comprehensive assessment.
What is the bonding process and timeline? Does the District have to bond for construction projects?	The Board of Education votes to bond for a dollar amount in June but money does not arrive until following January. Construction projects should not be started until money has arrived. MPS does not have to bond for any money or have any capital improvement projects.
Will any money be spent on renewal of unused buildings?	No money will be spent on unused buildings in the FY 19 capital improvement plan
What is the number of unused buildings?	There are 5 buildings that are either vacant or leased.
Why are certain projects recommended?	Based on FY 18 investment priorities. Energy Management is a project Planning has been hoping to fund for several years, to control some utility costs. Kitchen improvements- driven by Nutrition services Safety & security systems

 

Below is an outline of the types of capital projects undertaken at MPS, along with the steps staff take to plan projects from design to construction.

Capital improvement planning also takes into consideration the Facility Education Index, which is an assessment of a school building’s capacity to support the instructional program it houses.

TYPES OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

At any point in the year, Capital Planning and Construction Management staff are in the midst of planning for or overseeing project improvements for Minneapolis Public Schools’ more than 71 buildings and adjoining land.  

To ensure its limited funds are put to best use, MPS goes through a preliminary stage of pre-planning to develop a list of which buildings will get improvements and when this work will start. This list is also referred to as Capital Improvement Projects.

Once this Capital improvement list and budget is finalized and approved by the Board of Education in the spring, each project goes through a planning process from concept to completion as outlined below.

1. New Builds: When a brand new school is built rather than remodeling a current school.
    
2. Major Renovation: A renovation that affects most or all of a building that includes multiple systems and can include significant new construction on an existing building.
    
3. Minor Renovation: A renovation that affects a portion of a building.
    
4. Remodel: Remodel of a portion of a building.
    
5. Security: Security system upgrades that include cameras, access control, burglar alarms, or other systems that enhance security such as  lighting, fire alarms, and PA systems.
    
6. Civil and Landscaping: Storm water retention ponds (also known as rain gardens).
    
7. Systems: Any building system such as lighting, low voltage electric, data, HVAC, instructional technology, etc.
    
8. Building (equipment): Air handling units, rooftop units, boilers, transformers, generators, switchgear, cell tower equipment.
    
9. Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: Part of nearly all projects; can include furniture in any room, finishings, or specific equipment such as in a science or art classroom.

Please refer to the following links for information on MPS garden policies:

Gardens on School Property (Policy 7000)

Definitions: Gardens (Policy 7000A)

Application and Approval Process (Policy 7000B)

Gardens on School Property Request Form Fillable

To submit an application, contact the school Principal.

Capital Planning

By March of each year, Capital Planning, Construction & Maintenance finalizes the capital plan for the following year. We are required by Policy to show the Board a three year look ahead plan to chart the path for capital investment into the schools. The Board of Education approves the following year’s capital plan during the May and June budget hearings. Bonds are sold in the fall and the funds become available for use the following January.

The current capital plan is provided in the tabs above.

Each year, Plant Maintenance also submits recommendations for funding maintenance projects. These projects renew existing assets in school buildings like flooring, windows, ventilation systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, doors and locks, faucets and water bottle filling stations and parking lots. Maintenance projects depend on the age of the asset, current condition and expense of the asset. Some projects are done with MPS trades staff. Larger projects are usually bid for a general contractor to complete.

New Builds

Construction of a brand new school rather than remodeling a current school.

Major Renovation

A renovation that affects most or all of a building that includes multiple systems and can include significant new construction on an existing building.

Minor Renovation

A renovation that affects a portion of a building.

Remodel

Remodel of a portion of a building.

Security

Security system upgrades that include cameras, access control, burglar alarms, or other systems that enhance security such as  lighting, fire alarms, and PA systems.

Civil and Landscaping

Stormwater catchment ponds (also known as rain gardens).

Systems

Any building system such as lighting, low voltage electric, data, HVAC, instructional technology, etc.

Building Equipment

Air handling units, rooftop units, boilers, transformers, generators, switchgear, cell tower equipment.

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

Part of nearly all projects; can include furniture in any room, finishings, or specific equipment such as in a science or art classroom.

These documents outline MPS’ budget for the capital plan:  

Capital Plan Budgets

• Capital Plan FY 2023-24 to 2025-26
• 10-year LTFM Plan (MDE)