The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that many ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø (³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø) employees can perform their roles without being physically present in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø buildings. As a result, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø launched an Administrative Site Review in 2020 to identify efficiencies in administrative site use. In October 2022, the Board approved key recommendations, including:
- Closing and selling three central administrative sites
- Developing a designated learning facility at an existing site
- Retrofitting remaining sites to support flexible work and consolidate staff
While this project requires an initial investment, it will reduce administrative space needs and costs, create a more flexible work environment, and support staff in delivering services to students, schools, and communities.
Proceeds from the site consolidation—estimated in the millions—will contribute to a multi-year school revitalization plan, addressing school renewal and program needs. Reducing administrative site costs will also free up funds within the operating budget to better support schools and students.
Implementation and Next Steps
With the transition from review to implementation, this work will now be referred to as the Modern Workspaces to reflect our focus on creating a flexible, collaborative, and efficient work environment.
This multi-year project is guided by the Administrative Site Review Steering Committee. Since 2022, the committee has conducted site visits and research to explore best practices for shared, flexible workspaces. The project is currently focused on:
- Hiring an internal staff member to support implementation
- Procuring a Project Management consultant to develop a detailed implementation plan
Background
On October 21, 2020, the Board of Trustees directed staff to review administrative and facility site requirements, including:
- Best practices in public and private sectors
- Value and efficiency of current sites
- Options for administrative space, including using school facilities
- Financial considerations and operating efficiencies
- Fully accessible work locations
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø has two types of non-school sites: administrative (office space) and facility services (maintenance centres, garages, and warehouses). Each was reviewed separately to ensure the most effective use of resources.
The Steering Committee examined all aspects of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’s administrative footprint, balancing the benefits of remote work with the need for in-person collaboration. This review aligns with ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’s Mission and Multi-Year Strategic Plan to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Learn More
The full Administrative Site Review Report, including recommendations and findings, is available here.