Lookout Local’s Post

"A Virginia legislative commission estimated it'd cost about $25 billion to replace or rebuild all of the failing K-12 buildings across the state." "But state grant funding for school construction in the recently passed state budget is less than one-fifth of what it was during the previous biennium: $160 million compared to $850 million. " This article takes an in-depth look at the history and current context of school construction in Virginia. https://lnkd.in/e8W4QY-S

Did you know as many as 4 in 10 school superintendents expect a budget shortfall in the coming years, and 56% of public school districts report the need to replace multiple building systems? Learn how Schneider Electric can help your district fund modern, healthy school buildings for the long term: https://lnkd.in/gVj3saBV 

Purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of renovations, site, and playground improvements. Funding for school improvements is important but understanding your facility asset information, preventative maintenance, and also how the community uses the schools after hours are important data points. Ask us at OperationsHERO how we can extend asset life, reduce energy costs, know who is using your buildings, and what inventory you have on hand! #schooldistricts #operationsmanagement #maintenancematters

Key points: The final chapters of Emergency Aid for Elementary and Secondary Schools (IS TO BE) funding is approaching..... #budget #CEO #cliff #District #districts #dollars #fiscal #funding #Futures #leaders #preparing #School #schooldistricts

This is a great story from Danville, Virginia, one of Virginia's re-emerging cities - a city that was, for decades, in decline. In Virginia, a select few localities (Danville is one of them) have the authority to implement a 1% sales tax entirely dedicated to public school renovation and construction (and only if authorized by the voters in a referendum). This has allowed Danville to invest $127 million in its school buildings - giving new life to a school system that has been underfunded and plagued by challenges for decades. Cities and counties throughout Virginia are struggling to address school facilities needs. After 15 years of minimal state investment in capital infrastructure for schools, there is a bill in the Virginia General Assembly that would extend the 1% sales tax authority to all cities and counties in Virginia. This bill (Senate Bill 14) has just passed the Senate and there are several identical companion bills in the House of Delegates (House Bill 458, 600, and 805) that enjoys bipartisan support. If passed, this authority would be an incredible advancement - absolutely game changing - for communities throughout Virginia.

Time for change: A report from the The Thomas B. Fordham Institute shows that "increased school capital spending raises both test scores and housing prices." Yet, many of Indiana’s public schools—particularly charter schools—still lack access to critical capital funding, putting them at a significant disadvantage. It's time for equal funding for all public schools. Read the report here: https://bit.ly/4dYZgEx

🏫 In Mississippi, the pandemic highlighted a critical issue: many school districts, especially the poorest, face significant challenges in maintaining their facilities. Long-deferred maintenance on buildings has been a persistent barrier to providing an optimal learning environment. ✨ With the help of ESSER funds, these districts are now embarking on essential repairs that promise not only to improve school infrastructure but also enhance student learning experiences. From HVAC upgrades to roof repairs, the focus is on creating safe, comfortable, and motivating educational spaces. 📉 These improvements are expected to lower operating costs significantly. Less money will need to be diverted for emergency repairs, freeing up funds for crucial areas such as teacher salaries and high-quality educational materials. #PandemicRecovery #MississippiEducation #SchoolInfrastructure #ESSERFunds Learn more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eQTeYGCg

Equity, community and housing are some of the hot-button issues facing Alum Rock Union Elementary School District as they embark on their first long-range planning effort in 20 years. In an interview with #Catalyst, superintendent Hilaria Bauer offers a window into the moves that will shape the community’s future. https://bit.ly/41Ou6LC #ChangingLivesByDesign #longrangeplanning #masterplanning #k12 #schooldesign #designforeducation #facilityplanning

RAAC Rebuilding: Schools Celebrate, But Anxiously Ask "When?" Good news for 119 RAAC-affected schools - you're getting rebuilt! But the excitement is tempered with a big question: when?⏳ Heads are urging clarity and timelines from the DfE, worried about wasting funds on temporary fixes for buildings due for demolition. Here's the lowdown: • 119 schools will get rebuilt under the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP). • Schools worry about delays, with some temporary solutions costing up to £45,000/month. • Existing building issues, like outdated systems and asbestos, add further concerns. • Unions call for clear timelines and reiterate concerns about lack of new funding. What school leaders are saying: • "We need reassurance on where we are going and what concrete action is coming." - Honywood School Headteacher • "It's a waste to keep throwing money at an old building." - North West school headteacher • "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get it right, but we still have unanswered questions." - Michael McCluskie, Coast and Vale Learning Trust #RAAC #Schools #Rebuilding #Education #Infrastructure