How Much?

  • By Deborah P. Moore
  • 04/01/14

For the first time since 1999, a national survey was completed on the condition of public K–12 school facilities. Based on survey responses, 53 percent needed to spend money on repairs, renovations and modernizations to put the school’s onsite buildings in good overall condition. The total amount needed was estimated to be approximately $197 billion, and the average dollar amount was about $4.5 million per school. But the $197 billion needed by K–12 schools is only a part of the story. Colleges and universities also need an infusion of dollars for facilities.

The call for an investment in facilities is widespread. In a piece that appeared on The Florida Times-Union Jacksonville.com website, the University of North Florida student body president wrote, “Students at Florida’s public universities are united behind a simple message: The quality of our university academic facilities contributes to the quality of our education. Under the banner ‘Hard Hats for Higher Education,’ we’re teaming with our university administrations, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and others to support a renewed investment in our academic facilities and infrastructure.”

In the Governors’ 2014 State of the State Addresses education was by far the most popular topic, with almost every state and territory mentioning the importance of an enduring commitment to a competitive learning environment. In New York State, the 2014-15 budget proposal increases capital spending at SUNY schools by $272.9 million, for a total of $1.3 billion. In California, Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2014-15 State Budget allocates $175 million for deferred maintenance and instructional equipment, and $39 million in Proposition 39 funds for energy efficiency and workforce development projects in California’s community colleges. The California State University (CSU) Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (2014-15 through 2018-18) calls for $50,000,000 for minor capital outlay to upgrade and/or renovate campus facilities in order to accommodate the academic program, and an additional $300,000,000 to address CSU’s highest priority deficiencies in campus primary infrastructure and distribution systems.

It is time for an “official” survey of higher education facilities’ condition and need. Based on the fact that education facilities scored a “D” on the American Society of Civil Engineers 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, we know the need is great. As for a return on our investment, while I can’t find an undisputable source, most show a return of $4+ dollars for every $1 dollar invested by a state in higher education. Where else do you see that kind of payback?

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Greenheck Receives Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

    Air movement, control, conditioning, and distribution equipment solutions provider Greenheck recently announced that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, according to a news release. The HVAC Systems contract will allow Greenheck the opportunity to expand opportunities in government procurement and other public agencies in North America.

  • Boosting Student Wellness and Safety Through Indoor-Outdoor School Spaces

    Engaging students through facilities designed for indoor and outdoor learning and activities reflects a growing awareness of how children learn and thrive, with educators recognizing the importance of getting outside and disconnecting from technology. And, as today’s youth grapple with the urgent mental health crisis of increased anxiety and loneliness fueled by both the pandemic and technology, along with a related crisis in youth physical health, the wellness benefits of getting outside have never been so palpable.

  • Washington University School of Medicine Completes $165M Expansion Project

    The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., recently completed a vertical expansion of its Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health (BJCIH), according to a news release. The university partnered with Lawrence Group for the design of the six-floor addition, which cost about $165 million.

  • Fellowes Launches New Textile Collection

    Fellowes Contract Interiors recently partnered with Momentum Textiles & Wallcoverings to launch a new line of high-end-design, cost-effective textiles, according to a news release. Part of Momentum Textiles’ Kickstart collection, the new selection offers high-quality and versatile textiles for both smaller budgets and the early design phase of larger projects.