Technical terms accumulate. Acronyms are prevalent. Timelines, design jargon, contracts and cost estimates blur together. It can seem as though architects and construction professionals are speaking a foreign language — one that education leaders were rarely taught.
The perception isn't incorrect. We've never heard of a course for administrators dedicated to capital project planning. Nevertheless, district leaders are regularly expected to make high-impact decisions involving millions of dollars, long-term debt, community trust, and the safety and functionality of learning environments. Exploring ways to bridge this language gap is vital.