Tag Archives: Education

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School construction projects boom as education systems address aging facilities and growth

Construction opportunities are almost always abundant, but currently there are more than usual construction projects being launched for public school campuses. Common objectives include major renovation or expansion of aging facilities, total replacement of inefficient classrooms, upgrades to lighting, technology, and security equipment, and adding new sports and cultural facilities. Voters in San Antonio recently […]

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Spending on educational facilities breaking records throughout the U.S.

In 2016, about $88.9 billion was spent in educational construction work in the United States. That’s the largest year-over-year dollar value increase since 2008. And with enrollments increasing in classrooms in Pre-K to post-secondary public schools and colleges and universities, that trend is expected to continue, creating thousands of contracting opportunities for private-sector firms. When […]

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Classroom technology – critical component for future economic vitality

When the digital device world exploded and it became the norm for individuals of every age to have at least a couple of personal devices, most public schools required students to check them at the door. The devices were seen as classroom distractions. Not anymore! Today, according to a 2016 survey from the Consortium for […]

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Can new PAB legislation pass Congress?

Public officials at the state and local levels of government have tried for years to get the federally imposed cap on Private Activity Bonds (PABs) increased. In spite of their efforts, there has been no success. Tax-exempt PABs provide low-cost financing for projects that serve a public purpose. However, the current cap of $15 billion […]

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New report lays out frightening consequences of inaction

America’s infrastructure is crumbling – our roads, bridges, schools and water plants. While government officials are eager to address these growing needs, funding sources are scarce. There is an alternative solution to paying for infrastructure projects with funding other than local, state and federal allocations.  But, according to a report released this week by the […]

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Technology P3s – watch for them!

Public-private partnerships (P3s/PPPs) may soon take a significant turn. Historically, these types of collaborations have involved infrastructure projects. That appears to be changing! In the near future, technology upgrades in public school districts may be the hot new area for P3s. And the new funding is likely to come from private-sector companies, charitable foundations, impact […]

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One more educational issue we must confront!

Image of the State of Our Schools report

A recent State of Our Schools report, co-produced by three education groups, brought attention to the rampant underinvestment in the nation’s education infrastructure. Shockingly, the report concludes that the U.S. is spending $46 billion less than what is required for safe and healthy facilities. Allocations of $38 billion for construction and $8 billion for school […]