| THURSDAY December 3, 2015 |
| 8:00 – 8:45 am |
On-Site Registration, Continental Breakfast |
| 8:45 – 9:00 am |
Opening Remarks, Welcome |
| 9:00 – 10:00 am |
Stacy Smedly – SEED Collaborative, Sustainable Education Everyday
This conference keynote will highlight the inspiring and compelling role that sustainability and an educator's and student's built environment can play in hands-on, experiential education supporting STE(A)M and Common Core curriculum. Case Studies of projects installed and currently performing as living laboratories will be presented as a progressive story that starts with one educational project's leading edge goals to become the first Living Building project on the west coast and how it led to the creating of a national movement to create equitable, living classrooms for student everywhere to learn in and from.
Stacy H. Smedley has a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Washington, and 11 years in the architecture and construction professions. Her resume includes the first LEED for Homes Platinum certified project in Washington State as well as the first project in the world to be certified under Living Building Version 2.0 standards, the Bertschi School Living Science Building in Seattle. At Skanska, Stacy is the Director of Sustainability for the Northwest Market, focusing on creating sustainable initiatives and opportunities within Skanska's offices and throughout all of the buildings they build.
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| 10:00 – 10:30 am |
Visit Industry Partners |
| 10:30 – 11:30 am |
WinterBerry Charter School – Waldorf Merges with "Doing More with Less"
Conference participants will learn how the Winterberry Charter School Waldorf Education model is thriving in their new facility that was recently developed through a cost effective construction delivery system. The architect will share how the school design evolved/materialized, the general contractor/developer will be sharing how the project was developed, and the school's principal will share how the schools program works and functions in their new facility.
Shanna Mall, Winterberry Principal holds a BA in English (1997), a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MaT) Secondary: English (1998), and a Certificate in K-12 Educational Leadership (2006) from UAA. Ms. Mall was drawn to Waldorf Education during the 1990's and was hired as the founding principal of Winterberry Charter School in 2005. Ms. Mall is a tireless advocate for Waldorf methods in the public school. While serving as the principal at Winterberry she has overseen the ongoing training of the school's staff, teachers, and parents. In addition to her role as Principal she also teaches weekly painting lessons to students in grades 5-8. On a national level, she currently serves as the Outreach Chair on the board of The Alliance for Public Waldorf Education.
As Vice President of Criterion General, Inc., Kyle Scalis has over 35 years' experience in construction in Alaska. Kyle specializes in the development of innovative construction approaches for projects of all sizes, with special emphasis on complex projects. He is known for helping shape Criterion into an honest, accountable, solution driven General Contractor that fulfills its commitments and represents its clients through the full course of the project and beyond.
Krista Phillips is a Principal at RIM Architects, Anchorage, Alaska, and a licensed architect in Alaska and Oregon. She served for many years on the Board of Directors of thread, an early learning, early education advocacy group. Krista holds a Master of Architecture from the University of New South Wales, Australia, a Bachelor of Architecture with High Distinction from the University of Kentucky, and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Art History from the University of Kentucky. |
| 11:30 am – 12:00 pm |
Visit Industry Partners |
| 12:00 – 1:30 pm |
Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:30 pm |
A. Dr. Robert Whicker – Resetting Alaska's Educational Model
A new synergy between old and new innovations is happening in Alaska's schools, allowing students to engage and learn in compelling and relevant ways; facilitating greater interaction among teachers, students, and workforce professionals; and providing high quality instruction in our state's fiscally challenged environment. Technology is at the core of this new synergy. Examples of high level blended learning models will be demonstrated, including face-to-face and online learning.
Hear how districts are leading the way in areas of online learning, flexible scheduling, variable- length residential schools, project-based intensives, 1:1 technology and industry partnerships.
Dr. Robert Whicker, Ph.D. spent 21 years as a former Alaska educator serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, as well as the Dean of Students and Director for two charter schools. His last position in public education was superintendent of a school district where he implemented a sustainable 1-to-1 laptop program for all students in grades 6-12 as well as a homeschool support program. Bob served as a consultant to school districts in 7 states on the use and implementation of technology programs, including project implementation, online resources and differentiation of instruction with Apple, Inc. He assisted development, promotion and implementation of Association of Alaska School Board's Consortium for Digital Learning since its inception in 2005 spearheading the development of one to one digital learning environments in over 120 schools. He has been director of the Consortium since 2011. Current efforts include development of digital curriculum through mobile apps, technology-infused project based learning, leadership training for systemic change and implementation, and strategic business partnerships for K12 education.
B. Play for All: The Inclusive Play Movement in Alaska Blazes a Trail for Schools
Alaska built its first fully inclusive Boundless Playground in Anchorage in 2013. Through a grassroots initiative called Parks for All, a group of kids with special needs inspired this community to go beyond ADA compliance to embrace the inclusive play movement and change Alaska's playscape. Parents, school staff, community leaders, and students are now taking the inclusive play movement to their community schools, asking school districts to give ALL kids access to play. Parks for All's founder shares the story and lessons learned and gives facility planners a new perspective on how and why to plan for inclusive play at school.
Leah Boltz: Leah co-founded Parks for All and led the effort to build Alaska's first fully accessible Boundless Playground. Director of Business Development at Bettisworth North Architects & Planners, an Alaska school design firm, Leah has 10 years of experience in the architecture/engineering field. Named one of Alaska's Top 40 Under 40, Leah also won two awards for community contributions from disability service organizations. Leah recently gave a TEDxAnchorage Talk on Parks for All's community impact.
Jonny Hayes: Jonny is a licensed professional landscape architect and certified playground safety inspector in Alaska. He specializes in site modeling, planning, and design for schools, school recreational facilities and parks and trails. Jonny worked with Parks for All to lead public involvement and preliminary design on Alaska's first fully accessible playground. The president of ASLA's Alaska chapter, Jonny presents to municipal planning conferences, professional groups, and school groups regularly and mentors students in project development.
Josh Durand: Josh is the Parks & Recreation Superintendent for Anchorage. He is a landscape architect/landscape planner and is responsible for building Anchorage's first fully inclusive playground and making sure Anchorage's parks and playgrounds are all being designed for inclusive play. Josh is developing a strategic plan to ensure the city's playgrounds meet inclusive play goals.
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| 2:30 – 3:00 pm |
Visit Industry Partners |
| 3:00 – 4:00 pm |
Educating Students for Energy Literacy: AKEnergySmart
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) has worked with contractors Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) to develop and deliver a K-12 energy curriculum called AkEnergySmart. While this education has primarily been targeted to teachers and students, AHFC, REAP and ACEP are also involved in teaching facility managers how to operate their facilities more efficiently. Could these efforts be combined to educate kids on energy efficiency while helping their own schools save energy? Can architects and engineers assist in this educational opportunity by incorporating interactive displays of a building's energy use or highlighting energy saving features through educational displays and exposing building features to teach how the buildings operate? This interactive presentation will give background information on the AkEnergySmart curriculum and showcase two Alaskan examples of buildings as teaching tools. The session will conclude with a brainstorming session of how AkEnergySmart curriculum, operator training and building features can work together to educate students about energy efficiency.
As Energy Education Manager, Katie Croft, oversees the AKEnergySmart energy efficiency curriculum, and organizes all other educational outreach efforts for REAP. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 2003 with a bachelor's in education, and is currently working on a master's degree in outdoor and environmental education from Alaska Pacific University. Katie is passionate about science education, and has spent many of her years in the classroom teaching middle school science.
Tim Leach is an AHFC energy specialist and program manager for AK Energy Smart with more than a decade of experience in program management and implementation as a clean energy advocate and educator. Tim helps facility owners match their needs with the appropriate capital and service providers to increase capacity and productivity while decreasing costs related to wasted energy.
Tracy Vanairsdale joined Bettisworth North, a Fairbanks Alaska based architecture firm, in 1997 and became a Principal in the firm in 2007. She was Principal-in-Charge of the firm's North Pole Library project which is adjacent to the community's High School and features three solar arrays as educational tools for library patrons.
Jason Swift is a project architect with ECI, Architecture and Interiors, Inc. One of the firm's projects, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Engineering Facility, currently under construction, exposes building systems and displays operational data to building occupants as an extension of their engineering education.
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| 5:00 – 8:00 pm |
Conference Reception: Hors d'oeuvres, refreshments
Fireweed Business Center
725 E. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503
Virtual School Tours: Dale Smythe Koliganek (SWRSD) and Quinhagak (LKSD) Rural Alaska K-12 projects
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| 6:30 pm |
A4LE Board Meeting (all welcome)
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| FRIDAY December 4, 2015 |
| 8:00 – 8:45 am |
Onsite Registration, Continental Breakfast |
| 8:45 – 9:00 am |
Opening Remarks |
| 9:00 – 10:00 am |
Chris Rose, REAP – State of the State for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Alaska
While the price of diesel is currently at a low point, the exponential cost increases over the last 10-15 years and ongoing volatility of this energy source has sent schools and those that design them looking for savings through energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). With the state economy, which is directly tied to the price of oil, also at a low point, schools are trying to do what they can with minimal capital funds. However, there are many laws, codes and standards that impact EE and RE efforts in schools which one must be aware of as well as many agencies that establish requirements, provide support and resources to schools and the A&E community. This presentation will be a State of the State and a Who is Who of state agencies, research entities, nonprofits and other players in the non-oil and gas energy world of Alaska. In addition, what legislation may be pending for the upcoming legislative session will be presented.
Chris Rose is the founder and Executive Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project REAP, a coalition of large and small Alaska utilities, businesses, conservation and consumer groups, Alaska Native organizations, and municipal, state and federal entities with an interest in developing Alaska's vast renewable energy resources. REAP's goal is to increase the production of renewable energy in Alaska and bring the benefits of clean, economic and inexhaustible renewable power to the citizens of Alaska. Led by a diverse board of directors selected from its membership, REAP is Alaska's only advocacy and education group for renewable energy development in Alaska.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1983 with Highest Distinction from the University of Iowa, with a B.A. in Political Science and a Certificate in Global Studies. After working as a fundraiser for various non-profit public interest groups around the United States he received his law degree in 1990 from the University of Oregon, with a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. For over 10 years his private practice in Alaska included representation of Native Alaskans from Northwest Arctic villages and the mediation of a variety of disputes around the state. He has been very active in local community affairs and has served on various statewide boards, including the Renewable Energy Grant Fund Advisory Committee.
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| 10:00 –10:30 am |
Visit Industry Partners |
| 10:30 –11:30 am |
Changing Funding Expectations for Alaskan School District Capital Projects – Panel with Bryan Butcher, Chris Rose and Sam Kito
Alaska's economy is heavily dependent on the price per barrel of oil, with roughly 85% of state revenue coming from the oil industry. Currently, oil is at a very low price, and funding for state capital projects, historically funded through grants, and programs is depleted to historical lows. However, other funding mechanisms offered through state agencies as well as federal programs and private enterprises do exist. Some have been in existence for several years, but are rarely if ever used. Others simply have not been tapped as the hope for the days of grants still persists. This moderated discussion will explore these options, address real and perceived barriers and put forth action items for resolution to tap into these alternate funding mechanisms.
Bryan Butcher is Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) which provides loans, grants and energy-efficiency programs throughout the state. Bryan has an extensive background in budget and financing issues. He worked for the Alaska Legislature as a senior aide to the House and Senate Finance Committees for 12 years and was director of AHFC governmental relations and public affairs when the Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund was established for financing energy upgrades to schools and public facilities. He later became the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue and in 2013 returned to AHFC as CEO. Mr. Butcher has served on many boards, including the Alaska Energy Authority, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and as a trustee of the Alaska Permanent Fund. He is a lifelong Alaskan born and raised in Anchorage.
Chris Rose is the founder and Executive Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project REAP, a coalition of large and small Alaska utilities, businesses, conservation and consumer groups, Alaska Native organizations, and municipal, state and federal entities with an interest in developing Alaska's vast renewable energy resources. REAP's goal is to increase the production of renewable energy in Alaska and bring the benefits of clean, economic and inexhaustible renewable power to the citizens of Alaska. Led by a diverse board of directors selected from its membership, REAP is Alaska's only advocacy and education group for renewable energy development in Alaska. Chris will moderate this session.
Representative Sam Kito (D-Juneau) holds a unique position concerning school financing. As the former head of Facilities for Alaska Education and Early Development Department, Sam was at the helm when energy efficiency building standards were established for schools as well as space standards that ultimately effect school energy use. As a current member of the Alaska State Legislature Rep. Kito offers conference attendees information on pending and potential topics of discussion for the upcoming legislative session. The civil engineer and legislative lobbyist was born in Anchorage, lived in Fairbanks, and has worked on transportation projects throughout the state. He's been in Juneau for 18 years.
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| 11:30 am – 12:00 pm |
Visit Industry Partners |
| 12:00 – 1:30 pm |
Lunch – Len Mackler Awards – A4LE business meeting |
| 1:30 – 2:30 pm |
O+M Roundtable: Reducing Costs through Operations and Maintenance – Scott Waterman, Alan Morgan, Bill Murdock
This course will be an interactive presentation and discussion led by experts in the maintenance and operations of Alaska schools. Presenters will be: The program will emphasize what needs to be done to lengthen the life of existing school infrastructure as well as where Districts should focus their shrinking O&M budgets to make the most impact on their long term operational costs and indoor environment.
Scott Waterman is the Energy Programs Manager for Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) with nearly 30 years in the energy efficiency industry. In recent years he helped initiate and implement the Alaska Retrofit Information System (ARIS) building database, a building monitoring program, and the Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving loan fund for public facilities.
Alan Morgan is the Maintenance Foreman for the Western Region of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, the largest growing school district in the state of Alaska. Schools under Alan's watch range from one of the largest HS in the state to very small, rural elementary schools.
Bill Murdock, Project manager, with Lower Kuskokwim School District, which is the largest rural school district in Alaska, in number of sites, teachers, and students. Headquartered in Bethel, the district is comprised of 21 villages as well as 3 schools in Bethel. These villages are spread over an area the size of Ohio and are located along the Kuskokwim River and coastline of Southwestern Alaska. 296 teachers serve approximately 3980 K-12 students.
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| 2:30 – 5:00 pm |
West and Romig Schools Tour – 2:30-3:30 pm
2500 Minnesota Dr. Tour meeting details at conference.
Winterberry School – 4:00-5:00 pm
4802 Bryn Mawr Court. Tour meeting details at conference
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