Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

A Tough Balancing Act

  • By Deb Moore
  • 06/01/09
In 2008, school districts in the United States spent just over $19.5B on construction projects completed during the year. This included nearly $13B on new schools and more than $6 billion on additions and renovations. Judging by the quality of projects shown in this year’s Education Design Showcase, it was money well spent. These facilities were designed to serve students and community, announcing the importance of education. But without proper maintenance, even quality construction will quickly deteriorate.

It is common knowledge that when school budgets tighten, the maintenance department is first to feel the pinch. The first priority for any school district is (and should be) educating kids. For most this means their dollars go toward instructional programs — not facilities. While cutting back on maintenance may seem to be a good economizer, teachers can’t teach and students can’t learn if the lights are out. We have already seen the effects of deferred maintenance on many of our school buildings — broken windows, leaky roofs, HVAC systems in poor repair, mold growing on restroom walls, sick students and staff. The list goes on.
 
This is where the balancing act begins. Instructional programs are important, but so is facility condition. We need to educate our students, take pride in our schools, protect our investments, and be good stewards of taxpayer money. One can’t happen without the other.

Featured

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • 144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

    San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building; the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.