Abstract
Problem and purpose. Across the nation former military installations are being closed or realigned. This situation requires that affected communities develop creative, visionary plans for the reuse of these installations. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess educational strategies for the reuse of Fort Ord, California. Methodology. A multiple inquiry approach, referred to as policy analysis, was used to develop and assess educational reuse strategies for Fort Ord. Using a three round Delphi, the educational advisory group of the Fort Ord Community Task Force identified criteria and proposals for the reuse of the base. A Qualitative Trade-Off Analysis was used to compare the criteria with the proposals following round three of the Delphi. Findings. The Delphi panel established six criteria to be used in evaluating all educational reuse proposals. Twelve reuse proposals were concurrently developed by the advisory group. The proposals centered on the development of the Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center (M-BEST). When compared with the criteria, nine proposals were determined to be the "most desirable." In order of preference they were: Environmental Science and Technology Center, Language Center of the Nation, Advanced Degree and Training program, Multi-Cultural Teacher Preparation, Multi-Cultural Professional Development, Agricultural Research and Application, Center for the Study of Pacific Rim Countries, Health Professions, and Program of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Recommendations. The study found that the planned reuse of a military base is best achieved through a broad-based community group, or Task Force, that fully understands the values, history, economy, and goals of the area. Additionally, this group should use a systematic multiple inquiry approach to gathering data that allows for the establishment of criteria, the development of strategies, and the eventual determination of solutions. In support of this undertaking, timelines should be adhered to, decision-making authority clearly delineated, and consensus sought in all decisions.