2019
FACILITIES &
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF
An Overview of the Education
Construction Scene
SURVEY ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
Did you COMPLETE any construction projects in 2018?
45%
No construction completed in 2018
39%
Major renovations/modernizations
Additions to existing building(s)
New/replacement building(s)
20%
21%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Will you COMPLETE any construction projects in 2019?
No construction scheduled for completion
45%
Major renovations/modernizations
Additions to existing building(s)
New/replacement building(s)
38%
22%
25%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Will you START any construction projects in 2019?
No construction scheduled to start
39%
Major renovations/modernizations
Additions to existing building(s)
New/replacement building(s)
37%
21%
29%
0%
10%
What is your opinion on the funds available
for construction compared to last year?
15%
42%
20%
23%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• F
ifty-five percent of districts surveyed completed
construction in 2018.
Fewer funds are available
No change in available funds
More funds are becoming available • F
ifty-five percent of districts surveyed are planning to start
construction projects in 2019.
Don’t know • M
ost institutions surveyed—65 percent—believe that there will
either be no change or fewer funds available for construction
projects in 2019.
Survey Respondents: 123 pK-12 school districts responded to this survey among 44 states.
• M
ajor renovations and modernizations are the major focus of
projects completed in 2018 and expected to be started in 2019.
OTHER ISSUES FACING INSTITUTIONS
• Funding is the biggest issue.
• Increasing cost of construction and depleted
labor pool.
• Preventative maintenance schedule and having
staff abide and adhere to scheduling.
• Voter approval of bonds issues based on
property taxes.
• Availability of manpower for the various trades
to complete their work.
• Getting plans approved at State Education
Department in a timely period.
• Keeping pace with local growth and
enrollment increase.
the school start date in the fall.
• S afety, logistics, and continuing the
educational program during construction/
renovation.
• L
ack of bidders.
• Aging and outdated facilities. • C
ommunity perception of the need for new
construction, additions, and renovations.
• State and local site/development requirements/
codes. • Preventative maintenance schedule and having
staff abide and adhere to scheduling. • P
rioritization—too many needs for available
funds.
• Keeping buildings operational without much
funding. • Accountability issues with contractors, etc. • L
ack of long-term planning.
22 essentials | summer 2019
• Time management for project completion by