In this paper, we contribute to the literature on school facility funding by examining California's facility funding formula and assessing how the current state system facilitates meeting annual investment standards in facility stewardship and upkeep. To do this, we quantify the total school square footage of school facilities and then calculate…

State funding for higher education has increased in recent years. Per student funding for the California Community Colleges (CCC) is at an historic high and the Cal Grant program is larger than ever. But the state's investment in its public universities remains far lower than in the past. Indeed, California invests less per student (adjusted for…

Given our aging and crowded schools, today's administrators have to focus their attention on modernizing facilities. The Job Order Contracting (JOC) procurement method allows school administrators to complete a large number of high quality maintenance projects quickly with a single, competitively bid contract. The JOC process fits schools' unique…

Across the nation, large urban school districts are experiencing premature and rapidly accelerating deterioration of school buildings. The conditions of buildings and equipment, most importantly in classrooms and school support spaces, are deteriorating to the point of hindering the core mission of schools: educating children. This report is the…

The purpose of this study is to develop a costing model for maintenance and operations expenditures among 16 single-campus California community college districts and assess the impact of a variety of variables including size of student enrollment, physical plant age, acreage, gross square footage, and general obligation facility bonds on district…

Many education institutions have embraced the growing push for sustainable design and have built environmentally friendly facilities that use resources more efficiently. But the plaudits that administrators receive for LEED certification and other recognition of their efforts may be meaningless if the green commitment ends when a building is…

The nation's major city public school districts have substantial construction, renovation, modernization, and deferred maintenance needs because of the age and size of their school buildings, shifting populations, and the need to devote substantial resources to instructional personnel to meet their core academic mission. For instance, the average…

Sanitizers and disinfectants can play an important role in protecting public health. They are designed to kill "pests," including infectious germs and other microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Unfortunately, sanitizers and disinfectants also contain chemicals that are "pesticides." Exposure to persistent toxic…

Schools and universities should have a thorough plan that sets priorities for the most pressing facility renovations. With remedial programs, enrichment offerings, recreational activities and extended-year schedules, many school facilities are no longer dormant in the summer months. The increased year-round use of education facilities benefits…

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Statewide Survey series provides policymakers, the media, and the public with objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents. Inaugurated in April 1998, this is the 116th PPIC Statewide Survey in a series that has generated a…

The California Postsecondary Education Commission estimated in the year 2000 that the State would need to spend approximately $1.5 billion annually to maintain and expand public higher education facilities to meet student demand. This fact sheet updates information about the dollar amount of maintenance projects that are currently backlogged or…

This handbook provides process information on California's Deferred Maintenance Program, including a description of the administering body of law. Chapters discuss the program's process on the topics of basic/additional apportionment, fund release (basic/additional and critical hardship), the Deferred Maintenance Five-Year Plan, district deposit,…

The Folsom Cordova Unified School District decided to make a model energy-saver out of its Cordova Villa-Reymouth complex, a combined preschool, development center, and K-6 school for 300 students. Particular emphasis was given to cutting unnecessary lighting. Graphs of energy consumption and dollar savings are provided. (SJL)

This overview examines California's various State Allocation Board's funding programs for the construction, modernization, and maintenance of local school facilities. Funding information is provided for each program as are explanations of the school facility program construction process and the lease purchase program. The organizational chart for…

Growth in student enrollment is a statewide phenomenon in California. Options to overcrowding include year-round education, portable classrooms, new school construction, and maintenance of existing schools. The Association of California School Administrators is seeking specific legislative remedies. (MLF)