Appendix B

Exeter High School Future Search Committee Report - Sept. 19, 2002

Appendix B: How We Got Here

A Brief History of the Key Decisions from Future Search 1 & 2 as a Context for #3

Future Search 1 – May 1999

Purpose: To explore options for transforming Exeter High School into a modern and coherent educational facility

Recommendation: To remain on the existing site with a combination of renovation and building expansion.

Future Search 2 – October 2001

Purpose: To answer the question, “Where do we go from here?” This Future Search was prompted by ongoing delays in beginning the renovation and construction of the high school (caused by lawsuits and appeals related to the 60.76% bond vote at the March 2000 School District meeting).

Recommendation: To stay the course and plan to begin renovation/construction once resolution of the lawsuit occurs (presumably in the District’s favor).

What did Future Search 1 & 2 have to say about building a new high school on an alternative site?

Participants voiced strong support for building a new high school on an alternative site. They saw this as an attractive option – though untenable – because no suitable piece of land was available to meet identified criteria.

What did Future Search 2 have to say about SST?

Participants expressed unanimous support in recommending that the ERCSD Board and the SST Board pursue the possibility of the SST moving from the high school to its own new building on a separate site.

Desired Criteria in an Alternative Site

Be a central, accessible location for all communities

Be in Exeter, due to the presence of full-time fire and police departments

Must meet safety concerns including timely/easy access for Exeter fire and police

Have the possibility of city sewer and water

Large enough to include several athletic fields

Affordable

Why Future Search 3?

With the resolution of the lawsuit, ERCSD can commence the building and renovation of the High School on Linden St.

But should it . . .?

Now that a suitable piece of land has been located that meets the criteria identified at the two previous Future Search gatherings?