Page 8 - spaces4learning, January/February 2020

spaces4learning 2020 FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION BRIEF
SURVEY ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
Did you COMPLETE any construction projects in 2019?
No construction completed in 2019 Major renovations/modernizations Additions to existing building(s) New/replacement building(s)
0%
10%
21% 23%
20% 30%
41% 43%
40% 50%
60% 70%
Will you COMPLETE any construction projects in 2020?
No construction scheduled for completion Major renovations/modernizations Additions to existing building(s) New/replacement building(s)
0%
21% 24%
10% 20%
30%
44% 41%
40% 50%
60% 70%
Will you START any construction projects in 2020?
No construction scheduled to start Major renovations/modernizations Additions to existing building(s) New/replacement building(s)
0%
10%
25% 27%
20% 30%
42% 38%
40% 50%
60% 70%
What is your opinion on the funds available for construction compared to last year?
Fewer funds are available
No change in available funds
More funds are becoming available Don’t know
17% 22%
Survey Respondents: 181 pK-12 school districts responded to this survey among 24 states.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Fifty-nine percent of districts surveyed completed construction in 2019.
• Fifty-six percent of districts surveyed are planning to start construction projects in 2020.
• Major renovations and modernizations are the major focus of projects completed in 2019 and expected to be started in 2020.
• Most institutions surveyed—62 percent—believe that there will either be no change or fewer funds available for construction projects in 2020.
OTHER ISSUES FACING INSTITUTIONS
34% 28%
• The cost of building materials.
• The cost of an engineer or architect.
• Finding qualified contractors/sub-contractors that provide quality construction.
• Labor shortage for all trades and skyrocketing escalation of construction costs.
• Finding land that meets the need, but is not too expensive.
• Fewer bidders.
• Completing projects inside existing buildings without academic interruption.
• Slow decision-making process.
• Community support to pass a bond referendum.
• Logistics and planning around current school activities.
• Safety concerns during construction.
• Prioritization—too many needs for available funds.
• More regulations increase the building cost.
• Existing traditional school buildings provide structural challenges to renovate to the newer open classroom concept.
• Planning for the everchang- ing nature of educational programming and planning for growth without over- building.
8 JAN/FEB 2020