Value Engineering

Now that we have more planning time for the Phase II work, the construction team is having extensive discussions to find ways to build to our current budget. We're looking at all opportunities to reduce scope and use more affordable materials.

If your family has already booked vacations based on our typical school year, please work closely with your teachers to make plans for make-up class work, tests, etc.

Please note that by shaving off a few days from our typical holidays, we maintain the number of teaching days to uphold our academic standards. Additionally, we'll be working closely with PTF to move non-instructional activities such as parties and celebrations to non-school hours so that our teaching time is fully-utilized. We'll be teaching through the final bell on May 21, 2020. It's highly likely that the 2020 parties will occur after the last day of school.

2019 - 2020 School Year

Q: What does value engineering mean?

A: Value engineering means finding more affordable ways to build something. For example, finding less expensive materials, a more cost-effective method for building something, or redesigning a component to be more affordable to build. While the construction team has already used very cost-effective materials, we feel there are some additional areas that can be value engineered to reduce cost further.

Q: As the project is value-engineered to fit the funds we've raised, what happens if families pull their pledges?

A: If families pull their pledges, that significantly impacts our budget and forecast planning. As you can imagine, trying to build a project of this magnitude with a moving budget target is nearly impossible. We ask that you stay committed with us knowing that the project will happen, but only if we're all rowing in the same direction.

Q: Every construction project I've ever done has seen delays. What's our plan if summer 2020 construction runs longer than expected?

A: This is a great question and the board is firm in having a contingency plan in place. We're currently working with local church and commercial real estate partners to identify a location to place all MCS students should any delays occur.

Q. When will the final decision on summer 2020 Phase II work be made?

A: Our goal is to make that final decision by the end of February 2020, and of course we'll keep you updated along the way.

Q: Is ski week really shortened by a few days?!

A: Ugh, we know! But it's just for one year and we appreciate everyone's understanding that we need to sacrifice a few days off each of our vacations to accommodate our construction schedule.

Q: What additional security measures will be in place post-construction?

A: The MCS Board has prioritized security in our Phase II Construction plans and budget. As many families know, we have several security measures already in place with a single building entry point at the front office, vehicle-deterrent bollards and walls to protect classrooms and front entry, security cameras, and regularly-practiced fire, earthquake and lock-down drills. Also, we've approved implementing an visitor management system that quickly scans the Megan's Law and other law enforcement databases. We'll be updating families with the full roll-out schedule and processes for the ID system. The administration will continue its monthly drill schedule, with the addition of some all-family drills so that everyone is as fully-prepared as necessary in case of an emergency pick-up situation.

Q: How large is the MCS Board and how often does it meet to discuss Bright Future-related matters?

A: The MCS Board for 2018-2019 has 9 parents and our upcoming school year will have 10. We typically meet monthly, but since the start of the 2018-2019 school year, we've been communicating daily across our various committees. As a group, we've had formal weekly board meetings over the past month and expect to get back to our regularly-scheduled monthly meetings once school lets out. The pace has been swift as information has been changing daily with our miraculous fundraising surge, our subsequent lenders' underwriting, ongoing discussions with foundations, construction planning sessions, and communicating this to everyone as transparently as possible.

Q: What's been the feedback of our postponed construction?

A: The feedback has been predominantly positive. Of course, there are some families who are disappointed and upset by the decision, which is understandable. Please know, though, that we've received a lot of emails from families, staff, faculty, and donors who are in full support of us heeding God's timing and using the time to develop more thorough plans.

Q. What's the status of the new furniture? Can we get it in time for the 2019 school year?

A: Given that we have limited funds, we've prioritized programs and academics, security hardening, and increased natural light. The expanded space upstairs drives the programming, and the atriums provide natural light. Thus, the construction-related work is the priority. Additionally, now that the 5 pilot classrooms have been in use for a few months, we're planning to survey students and faculty on the furniture to see if any adjustments are necessary.

Q. What happens if people don't fulfill their pledges this year?

A. If families don't fulfill their pledges, the summer 2020 project would be in jeopardy of further delay. Please understand that our family pledges impact foundation and lender participation and underwriting. Our equity stakes in the projects are of utmost importance.