How Much?

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

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

  • i-PRO, NovoTrax Partner for New School Emergency Response Solution

    i-PRO Americas, Inc., which manufactures edge computing cameras, recently announced a partnership with NovoTrax, provider of end-to-end life safety and mass notification solutions, to address gaps in emergency response workflows at K–12 schools, according to a news release.

  • AP Construction Breaks Ground on Two Projects for Austin ISD

    Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) recently announced that it has broken ground on two renovation projects for the Austin Independent School District, according to a news release. The work at McCallum and Anderson High Schools totals 97,350 square feet and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

Digital Edition