This white paper explores program changes, the use of modular classrooms, leasing, and public/private partnerships as alternatives to new construction and major renovation of Portland, Oregon's public schools 5p

In many states, investments in school capital must be approved by bond referenda. Consequently, voter preferences can directly impact the quality of school facilities and their infrastructure. Researchers have often analyzed the causal mechanisms of referendum passage, but they have not examined whether the type of capital project affects the outcome of the referendum itself. In this paper, we use data from the state of Michigan to examine whether voters are willing to provide more or less support for specific types of capital investments. We focus on the relationship between voter support for maintenance versus the construction of a new building or additions to existing buildings. Our analysis suggests there is a higher approval rate for maintenance of existing facilities than the construction of new school buildings or additions. [Authors' abstract] p37-55

Advocates for the preservation of historic Ohio schools, which are being lost quickly. The website offers several publications to assist the preservationist, a description of the benefits of saving schools, myths surrounding older schools, and a photographic inventory of saved and lost schools in Ohio.

Provides a checklist to help create a complete and fair feasibility study when deciding whether to restore or replace an older school. Selecting the proper consultant, proper accounting, building codes, public participation, cultural and historic significance, site plan, scheduling, and educational programming, components of the study, and steps in executing the study are addressed. 7p.

Examines the opportunities that refurbishing existing school buildings can offer, breaking the term refurbishment into what the authors call "the new 3Rs." They are: Refresh, which looks at the valuable contribution that good interior design and high quality furniture can make; Refurbishment, which includes more major upgrading of the building fabric and services as well as remodelling of internal spaces; and Reuse, which considers new functions for redundant buildings, whether it is breathing new life into old school buildings or converting existing offices or retail units into new schools. 24p.

For public charter schools, expanding their school facilities or constructing a new school building can be a challenging experience. More than half of all U.S. charter schools are located in dense urban areas, where few buildable sites are available and developable land carries a hefty price tag. One option is to consider the revitalization and repurposing of older building stock. At first blush, planning a school in a building that was never meant for educational uses may seem counter-intuitive. However, the benefits of bringing back older buildings in core urban areas can serve the community in many ways. While their original purpose may be obsolete, comprehensive renovations to an existing structure can both offer a cost-effective alternative to building new and incorporate modern sustainable improvements to prepare older buildings for the future.

Discusses issues to consider when making the difficult decision to renovate or build new

Presents three factors that determine if an existing campus facility can see new life and adaption to future use: structural configuration; campus location; and renovation cost.

Five examples of how school districts have tapped the creativity of board members, architects and/or planners to restore, renovate or rebuild some of their local structures to serve as educational, green spaces.

As school districts examine options in today’s economic environment for maximizing student capacity, reducing operating costs and accommodating ever-changing educational programming, the question of whether to replace or restore historic schools looms large. Operational costs, programmatic adequacy, repair and modernization costs and more all require consideration in order to chart the most appropriate course. Advises to not decide without first conducting a feasibility study to weigh the pros and cons.

The purpose of this article is to assess the relationship between elementary school facility age and single-family housing price in the Orlando, Florida metropolitan area. This is a cross-sectional study employing multivariate regression. The model includes facility age as a measure of perceived school quality, along with a series of control variables to assess the relationship between public elementary school facility age and the corresponding housing prices within the associated school attendance zones. This study provides evidence that housing prices are associated with school facility age. The findings show housing prices to be positively correlated with newer and historic school facilities. [Author's abstract]

Advocates the consideration of higher education facilities as a portfolio of assets, considering the risks and rewards involved with the individual portfolio components when making decisions about maintenance, repair, remodeling, and new construction. Various risk “scoring” schemes are proposed, depending on the mission of the institution, as well as potential hazards related to location and condition.

Examines the environmental benefits of maintaining historic higher education buildings. Definitions of what constitutes an “historic” building are followed by examples of signature historic buildings that help define their respective campuses. The virtues of older buildings built to withstand the elements and be comfortable without the aid of mechanical HVAC are emphasized, as well as their embodied energy, the availability of LEED certification for existing buildings, and the practicalities and exceptions of maintaining historic buildings.

Addresses the advantages of pursuing school renovation, rather than new construction, during a weak economy. Savings realized through closing air leaks and water intrusion are also discussed.

Promotes the value of retrofitting and renovating older, neighborhood schools. Improved public health from walking to school, lower property taxes for having not built a new school, saved transportation costs, and a strengthened community are cited. The example of Illinois' Lake Forest High School is cited.

Profiles the new Warrenville, Illinois, Hubble Middle School, which replaced an unloved and inconvenient high school to middle school conversion. Placing the school on a new site enabled more students to walk or bike to school. Features that led to LEED Gold certification are described.

Advises on maintaining a master plan for school facilities, accurate assessments of their condition, cost estimates for addressing deficiencies, and how to avoid the "build-neglect-build" cycle the often overwhelms school districts.

Advises on determining whether to renovate and remodel a school, or to build a new one. Master planning and a facility assessment should be conducted to determine a buildings condition and adequacy for the educational program. Evaluation of options should consider a variety of issues including cost, disruption to the school year, achieving sustainability, ultimate building life, and energy efficiency.

Presents questions to be considered when deciding whether to renovate or replace a university facility. Typical reasons for renovating are discussed, as are how to save money when replacement is in order.

Profiles three historic schools that were renovated into effective modern learning environments, as well as one classroom annex that was created in an early 20th-century industrial building.