Summary Chart of ARRA Funding and Tax Credit Bonds for School Modernization

Continuously updated information on sources of Recovery Act funding for school facilities from the U. S. Departments of Education, Treasury, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and more. Includes links to guidance documents and application forms.

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Recovery Act News

More Solar Panels for San Jose Schools With Federal Stimulus Bonds
Triplepundit, March 12, 2010

Grassley Decrying Bond Subsidies
Bond Buyer, March 08, 2010

House Bill Offers School Construction Bonds Boost
Bond Buyer, March 05, 2010

New York Announces $40 Million Recovery Act Funding to Improve Energy Efficiency in 118 Schools, Universities, and Colleges
Energy News, March 05, 2010

Guilford, North Carolina Schools Want in on Federal Stimulus Spending Fun
Carolina Journal, March 03, 2010

$1.5 Million Stimulus Bond Money Paying For North Carolina School HVAC Projects
The Record, March 02, 2010

Stimulus Grant to Pay for Schools’ Green Special Needs Playgrounds
Brewton Standard, March 01, 2010

Jobs Bill May Boost School Bond Sales, Bank of America Says
Business Week, February 26, 2010

QSCBs and QZABs in Senate Jobs Bill
Bond Buyer, February 25, 2010

Energy-Efficiency Loans With Stimulus Money Available to South Dakota Schools
Argus Leader, February 23, 2010

What the Senate Jobs Bill Means for Education (School Construction)
Ed Money Watch Blog, February 23, 2010

Blissfield, Michigan Schools Seeking $12 Million Upgrade in Bond Vote; Using Stimulus Bonds
Daily Telegram, February 21, 2010

Treasury Assistant Secretary, Tennessee Secretary of State Tout Benefits of Recovery Act School Construction Bonds
U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 19, 2010

L.A. Schools to Sell $1.75 Billion of Bonds for School Construction
Business Week, February 18, 2010

Edgar, Wisconsin Voters Say Yes to $7.6 Million School Construction Project; First Time Since 1994
Wasau Daily Herald, February 17, 2010

$10 Million Stimulus Grant to Install Solar Energy Panels on 90 Florida Schools That Serve as Emergency Shelters
Florida Today, February 17, 2010

Metro Detroit Schools Ask Voters to OK Funds for Upgrades to Take Advantage of Stimulus Bonds
Detroit News, February 15, 2010

A Move to 'BABify’ Programs
Bond Buyer, February 12, 2010

Draft Jobs Bill Would Treat Some Tax-Credit Bonds Like BABs
Bond Buyer, February 09, 2010

L.A. to Sell $1.75 Billion of Bonds to Fund School Construction
Business Week, February 08, 2010

Small Oregon Schools Benefit From Stimulus Energy Grants
CBOnline, February 08, 2010

Opinion: Project Funds Aplenty; None for Springfield, Illinois School Construction
State Journal-Register, February 07, 2010

Mississippi Schools Eye More Stimulus Bond Money
Hattiesburg American, February 06, 2010

Multiple Stimulus Aid Streams Flow to Ed Tech
Education Week , February 05, 2010

Mississippi Schools Eye More Federal Stimulus Bond Money
Hattiesburg American, February 05, 2010

Oregon School District Announces Sale of Qualified School Construction Bonds
Statesman Journal, February 04, 2010

Lexington, North Carolina Schools Working on Stimulus-Funded Projects
The-Dispatch, February 03, 2010

University of Minnesota, an Early BAB User, Goes Back for Seconds
Bond Buyer, February 02, 2010

SC Getting Millions in Federal Money to Replace Crumbling School Mentioned in '09 Obama Speech
Los Angeles Times/Associated Press, January 27, 2010

Charlotte County, Florida Schools to Borrow $60 Million with Qualified School Construction Bonds
Herald Tribune, January 27, 2010

Tax-Credit Debt Fades To BABs?
Bond Buyer, January 26, 2010

Qualified School Construction Bonds Get Build America Tax Treatment Under New Plan
Business Week, January 25, 2010

Major California School Construction and Jobs Bill Passes; Authorizes $773 Million QSCBs
California Chronicle, January 23, 2010

St. Charles Parish School Board OKs $10 Million in Qualified School Construction Bonds
Times-Picayune, January 21, 2010

Virginia Governor Kaine Announces Bonds for School Energy and Construction Projects
WHSV.com, January 15, 2010

Port Clinton Schools Eligible to Get $15M in Stimulus Bonds; More Than Anticipated, After Ohio Voters Defeated Local Issues in November
News Herald, January 13, 2010

Acton-Boxborough, Massachusetts Schools Harness Solar Energy; Funded by Stimulus
The Beacon, January 11, 2010

Philadelphia Area Districts Ponder Using $460 Million School Construction Bonds
Inquirer, January 09, 2010

North Carolina School Plan Stalled By Lack of Bank Interest in Buy QSCBs
Wilkes Journal-Patriot, January 08, 2010

NIST Awards $123 Million in Recovery Act Grants To Construct New Research Facilities
National Institute of Standards and Technology, January 08, 2010

Rural Arizona Schools to Get $5M for Solar Systems; Using Stimulus Funds
Phoenix Business Journal, January 07, 2010

New Bills May Block Tax-Credit Stripping; QZABs, QSCBs, and CREBs Targeted
Bond Buyer, January 07, 2010

Seize Moment, Advisor Tells School District; Take Advantage of ARRA Low Interest Bonds
Northwoods Weekend, January 05, 2010

Stimulus-Funded Renovations, Energy and Safety Upgrades Begin at Wisconsin School District
Herald Times, January 02, 2010

Virginia May Delay Issuing QSCBs Until There Is More Clarity From Congress
Bond Buyer, December 31, 2009

West Virginia Stimulus Bond Sales Provide Funds for Schools
WOWK, December 29, 2009

North Carolina School Construction Bonds Still Untapped
News & Observer, December 27, 2009

Schools Have Trouble Tapping Stimulus Funds
ProPublica/USA Today, December 23, 2009

Muni Market Participants Want Congress to Extend ARRA Bond-Related Provisions
Financial Planning, December 22, 2009

Wisconsin School Board OKs Federal School Construction Bonds Despite Possible Downfalls
Daily Times, December 22, 2009

Jobs Bill Would Revise School Construction Bonds Programs
Bond Buyer, December 17, 2009

Madison, Alabama School Construction Bond Comes with Strings Attached.
WAFF 48 News, December 11, 2009

Bond Awarded to North Carolina School for Gym Construction Still Unfunded.
Sun Journal , December 09, 2009

Under Proposed Legislation, Schools Could Keep Unused Qualified School Construction Bond Allocations
Bond Buyer, December 03, 2009

A Colorado College Looks to Sun for Campus Power; Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds May Finance Project
Pueblo Chieftain, December 02, 2009

Illinois Governor Signs Bill to Tap New Federally-Backed Construction Funds; Build America Bonds, School Building Financing Means Jobs
Illinoise Government News Network, December 02, 2009

Minnesota Voters Approve School Construction Bond; Stimulus Funding at Stake
Mankato Free Press, December 01, 2009

Build America Bonds Financing College and University Projects; Chicago Selling QSCBs
Bloomberg Press, December 01, 2009

Alert Regarding Distribution of Qualified School Construction Bonds in California
CASH Register, December 01, 2009

Stimulus Help Not So Helpful for Some Washington State School Districts
Daily World, November 30, 2009

ARRA Guidance A Priority for Treasury Department
Bond Buyer, November 30, 2009

Texas School Districts Differ on Use of Federal Stimulus School Construction Bonds
Dallas Morning News , November 26, 2009

Bond Program Considered for Georgia County School Projects
Times-Georgian, November 25, 2009

Wichita, Kansas School Board Approves Second Sale of Stimulus Bonds for New Schools
Wichita Eagle, November 25, 2009

Reception Cool in Arizona for Tax Credits Offered to Stimulate School Building
Arizona Republic, November 24, 2009

California School District May Seek $25 Million Loan for Solar Panels With QSCB Funding
Contra Costa Times, November 23, 2009

Tax Increase Plus Federal Stimulus Bonds and USDA Loan to Fund School Construction in North Carolina County
Franklin Press, November 23, 2009

Stimulus Jumpstarts Louisville, Kentucky School Construction Projects
Carrier-Journal, November 23, 2009

New Bond Program for School Construction and Renovation [QSCBs]
District Administration, November 23, 2009

Ohio District May Receive More Federal Stimulus Money for School Construction
Marion Star, November 22, 2009

Two Minnesota Schools Receive Stimulus Funds for Energy Improvements
Park Rapids Enterprise , November 14, 2009

California District Uses Stimulus Funds to Install $25 Million Solar Field
Porterville Recorder , November 12, 2009

Stimulus Funded School Renovations Welcomed in Tazewell County, Virginia
Bluefield Daily Telegraph, November 11, 2009

Tennessee Communities to Receive Financing to Build or Repair Schools
Clarksville Online, November 08, 2009

U.S. Stimulus Funds Prompt Quicker Baltimore Area School Renovations
Baltimore Sun, November 07, 2009

Vermont Voters OK School Renovation Projects; Will Use Zero-Interest Bonds
Burlington Free Press, November 05, 2009

New Omaha Schools To Be Built With Federal Stimulus Bonds
Omaha World-Herald, November 05, 2009

Alabama Town Thrilled to Get Stimulus Funding to Build New High School
Hartselle Enquirer, November 05, 2009

Commission Approves $15 Million Stimulus Bond for Tennessee School Renovation
Bristol Herald Courier, November 04, 2009

82% of School Foodservice Operators Applied for Stimulus Equipment Assistance
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, November 04, 2009

Texas Eye on Stimulus Money: Bonds Don't Get the Same Market Reception
Window on State Government, November 04, 2009

Minnesota Voters OK Most School Building Projects; Stimulus Bonds Helped
Fianance and Commerce, November 04, 2009

Detroiters OK $500M School Bond; Stimulus Bonds Will Give Taxpayers a Break
Detroit Free Press, November 03, 2009

Texas School District Bond Package Passes; Stimulus Bonds Benefit Taxpayers
Star-Telegram, November 03, 2009

Federal Bond Funds for Alabama Schools Step in Right Direction
News Courier, October 31, 2009

Governor Riley Announces Bond Funding to Help Construct, Repair Alabama Schools
Office of the Governor, State of Alabama, October 29, 2009

Some School Districts Paying Interest on U.S. Tax Credit Bonds
Forbes/Reuters, October 26, 2009

Montana School Bonds Benefit from Stimulus
Billings Gazette, October 23, 2009

Detroit Mayor Pushes $500M School Construction Bond Using Stimulus Funding
Detroit News, October 22, 2009

Missouri School Districts Seek Bond Issue OK to Capture Federal Money
Suburban Journals, October 20, 2009

Stimulus Money for School Construction in Every District in North Dakota
KFYRtv.com, October 17, 2009

Virginia Governor Announces $119 Million in Bonds for School Construction
Virginia Governor's Office, October 14, 2009

South Dakota Schools Thankful For Federal Construction Money
Argus Leader, October 12, 2009

Missouri School District Bond to Address Vital Repairs With Help From Stimulus
Fulton Sun, October 08, 2009

$24 Million in Stimulus Funds for New Mexico Schools, Colleges Energy Projects
Press Release, October 06, 2009

California Public School Energy Projects Eligible for State Loans: ARRA Funding
CASH Register, September 30, 2009

Demand Soars for Stimulus-Backed School Facilities Bonds
Education Week , September 29, 2009

Los Angeles Schools Sell $1.4 Billion in Build America Bonds to Fund Facilities
Wall Street Journal, September 29, 2009

Suburban Schools Try New Approach for Wind Farm Using Federal Tax Credit Bonds
Daily Herald, September 28, 2009

Washington State School Districts Get Stimulus Funding
Columbian, September 27, 2009

Some Nevada Lawmakers Question School Energy Grants
Associated Press, September 24, 2009

Nevada Uses Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds for School Renovation
Reno Gazette Journal, September 23, 2009

What Happened to that Facilities Money in the Stimulus?
Education Week Blog, September 22, 2009

Federal Program Could Trim Cost of Oregon School Bond
East Oregonian, September 19, 2009

University of Oklahoma Approves $127 Million in Build America Bonds Projects
Norman Transcript, September 19, 2009

Recovery Act Funds Repair Hist. Black Colleges & Universities Historic Buildings
Department of the Interior Recovery Investments, September 18, 2009

City, County Schools Receive Federal Funds for Construction Projects
Memphis Commercial Appeal, September 18, 2009

Macon County, NC School System to Utilize Both QZABs and QSCBs
Macon County News, September 18, 2009

Portola Valley, California Schools May Go Solar with Federal Stimulus Funds
The Almanac, September 17, 2009

$52.5 Million Recovery Act Project to Replace Navajo Community School
Department of the Interior Recovery Investments, September 17, 2009

Tennessee School District to Use QSCBs for Energy Efficiency Projects
Crossville Chronicle, September 17, 2009

Denver Public Schools May Save $55 Million on Bond Projects
Denver Post, September 15, 2009

Tennessee School Gets $20 Million Loan through the Federal Stimulus Program
The Daily Times, September 11, 2009

Virginia School Awarded up to $18 Million in Zero-Interest Bonds
Lynchburg News Advance, September 11, 2009

Virginia Governor Announces $71.6 Million in Bonds for School Construction
Office of the Governor Timothy M. Kaine , September 10, 2009

Federal Bonds Help Alabama Schools
Montgomery Advertiser, September 08, 2009

Minnesota District Begins Spree of Repairs and Upgrades, With Help from Stimulus
Inforum, September 04, 2009

Georgia Schools Eye Stimulus Funding for Possible Building Projects
Times/Georgian, September 03, 2009

Minnesota Dept. of Education Allocates $75.85 Million in No Interest Bonds
Minnesota Department of Education, September 01, 2009

Stimulus Funds Making a Difference in New Jersey Schools
Philadelphia Enquirer, August 30, 2009

Cal. Schools Chief Announces Winners of Fed. School Construction Bond Lottery
California Department of Education, August 28, 2009

Update on Stimulus Funds for Construction for Tribal Schools and Colleges
Indian Country Today, August 28, 2009

Greenwood, Arkansas School Board Seeks Stimulus Bonds for Elementary School
Times Record, August 27, 2009

Pennsylvania Governor Announces Stimulus Grants to Schools for Energy Savings
Office of the Governor , August 26, 2009

Detroit Plans to Build 8 New Schools, Renovate 10, With Federal Bonds
Crain's Detroit Business, August 26, 2009

Tennessee School District Has Several Uses For its Share of Build America Bonds
Times-News, August 25, 2009

Schools Seek Federal Stimulus Funds for Energy Efficiency
Jackson Sun, August 22, 2009

Newest Use for Stimulus Money: Build New Schools
wkyc.com, August 21, 2009

Southeastern States to Pool Financing to Sell Qualified School Const. Bonds
Bond Buyer, August 20, 2009

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Touts Bond Program for Schools
Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 20, 2009

Obama Administration Highlights The Impact of Economic Stimulus
News Blaze, August 20, 2009

Montana Schools Make Energy-Saving Changes with Stimulus Money
Billings Gazette, August 19, 2009

Ohio District Seeks Federal Construction Bond to Build Three New Schools
Chillcothe Gazette, August 18, 2009

New Federal Bond Program Could Net Hefty Savings for Cal. School Districts
Whittier Daily News, August 17, 2009

Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Program; Notice Inviting Applications
Federal Register, August 17, 2009

Memphis City Schools Seeks $41 Million in Federally Backed Bonds
Memphis Commercial Appeal, August 12, 2009

Missouri School District Saving Millions Thanks to Stimulus Bonds
Branson Daily News, August 12, 2009

Univ. of California to to Sell $1.4B in Build America Bonds for 70 Projects
Los Angeles Business , August 12, 2009

$30M Public-Private Partnership To Construct Tulsa Early Childhood Centers
KFSM.com, August 06, 2009

Wisconsin Announces Interest Free Bonds for 53 School District's Projects
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 06, 2009

Tennessee County Schools to Seek $20M in Federal School Construction Bonds
Times-News, August 05, 2009

Stimulus Funds to Help Omaha Public Schools Build
Omaha World-Herald, August 04, 2009

Federal Stimulus Could Save Catawba County, NC Millions
Charlotte Observer, August 02, 2009

Indiana School Saves $550,000 With No-Interest Bond
Star Press, August 01, 2009

Legislative Language

THE ARRA

The President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) into law on February 17.

For an overview of stimulus funded education programs, see U.S. Department of Education's ARRA web page. For state allocations, see Recovery Act State Fact Sheets. To see states' applications for funding under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program, see State Grants.

Information specific to school modernization and school construction tax credits is posted here as it becomes available.

DIVISION A - APPROPRIATIONS PROVISIONS

State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Title XIV of the bill [pages 165-172] provides $53.6 billion for education by means of a "State Fiscal Stabilization Fund." Money is allocated to the states on the basis of their population and number of school age children [page 165, Sec. 14001(d)].

SCHOOL DISTRICTS' SHARE. The states receive a total of about $39.5 billion "for the support of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education, and, as applicable, early childhood education programs and services" [pages 165 and 166, Sec. 14002(b)]. Funds are apportioned to local school districts according to their state's "primary elementary and secondary funding formulae" and to public institutions of higher learning in the amounts "needed to restore State support for such institutions."

School districts may use the funds they receive for "any activity authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Adult and Family Literacy Act, and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, or for modernization, renovation, and repairs of public school facilities (including charter schools), which may include modernization, renovation, and repairs consistent with a recognized green building rating system."

STATES' SHARE. The states receive a total of about $8.8 billion "for public safety and other government services, which may include assistance for elementary and secondary education, and for modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities and institutions of higher education facilities, including modernization, renovation, and repairs that are consistent with a recognized green building rating system [page 166, Sec. 14002(b)]." The states appear to have wide discretion in distributing this money, making it difficult to predict how and on what it actually will be spent.

MODERNIZATION IS ONLY AN OPTION. Note that the bill allocates no money specifically for school modernization, and, while eligible for funding, modernization projects in some states may prove to be a low priority compared to other critical educational needs.

PROHIBITED USES. Modernization, renovation, and repair funds may not be used by school districts [page 167, Sec. 14003(b)] for (1) payment of maintenance costs; (2) stadiums or other facilities primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions or other events for which admission is charged to the general public; (3) purchase or upgrade of vehicles; and (4) improvement of stand-alone facilities whose purpose is not the education of children, including central office administration or operations or logistical support facilities. (Note that this last provision precludes funding the conversion of an older school into an administration building, a common reuse.)

For the U.S. Department of Education's interpretation of the above provisions, see Section V [pages 34-38] of its April 2009 Guidance on the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program and its May 11, 2009 Modifications to Questions in the April Guidance on the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program (Note that the use of stabilization funds for new construction of primary and secondary schools [Subsection V-1,page 34] has been interpreted by the Department as allowable, but discouraged under ARRA. New construction of higher education facilities is not allowed.)

DEADLINES. Funds the states do not "award as subgrants or otherwise commit within two years of receiving such funds" will be reallocated by the Secretary of Education [page 165, Sec. 14001(f)]. According to Subsection III-D-16 [page 26] of Guidance on the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program, school districts must obligate modernization funds (that is, have them under contract) by September 30, 2011.

Energy Efficiency Programs. $3.2 billion is provided to the U.S. Department of Energy for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, and $3.1 billion for its State Energy Program [page 24]. School energy efficiency projects are eligible for funding through both programs. See the DOE Recovery and Reinvestment webpage.

Bureau of Indian Affairs. $450 million is provided for BIA construction, maintenance, and repair activities [page 54], which include school construction, improvements, and repairs. See the BIA Recovery Act webpage.

Academic Research Facilities. $200 million is provided to the National Science Foundation for funding academic research facilities modernization [page 17]. $1 billion is provided to the National Institutes of Health for funding the construction, renovation, and repair of biomedical and behavioral research facilities at non-federal research institutions, including colleges and universities [page 61]. $180 million is provided to the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a competitive construction grant program for research science buildings [page 15].

Impact Aid. $100 million is provided for construction grants to Impact Aid school districts (generally, those serving students from government installations or Indian tribes). Forty percent of the funds go to formula grants, 60 percent to competitive grants for emergency repairs and school modernization [pages 67 and 75]. See Guidance: Impact Aid Section 8007 School Construction Funds.

Rural Communities. $130 million is provided to the Department of Agriculture for loans and grants for rural community facilities programs [page 4], a category that includes schools. The Department says over $1.1 billion is available "to develop essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population;" see pages 2 and 3 of the USDA Recovery Act webpage.

DIVISION B - TAX, UNEMPLOYMENT, HEALTH, STATE FISCAL RELIEF, AND OTHER PROVISIONS (also cited as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009)

School Construction Bonds. State and local governments may issue up to $22 billion in "Qualified School Construction Bonds" ($11 billion in 2009 and $11 billion in 2010), a new type of tax credit bond for "the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility, or for the acquisition of land on which such a facility is to be constructed" [pages 241-243, Sec. 1521]. Tribal schools receive an additional $400 million of the bonds ($200 million in 2009 and $200 million in 2010). See the U.S. Treasury's Qualified School Construction Bond Allocations for 2009.

Funding for the existing Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) program for schools is increased to $2.8 billion ($1.4 billion in 2009 and 1.4 billion in 2010)[page 244, Sec. 1522]. QZABs must be used for rehabilitating or repairing public school facilities, investing in new equipment and technology, developing challenging course materials, and training teachers. QZABs may not be used for new construction. See QZAB Q&A and the U.S. Treasury's Qualified Zone Academy Bond Allocations for 2008 and 2009.

These tax credit programs sharply reduce school borrowing costs by providing tax credits to bond holders in lieu of interest. School districts get interest-free loans and only pay back the principal. On a large project, savings typically can be 50 percent. See the the NCEF resource list Tax Credit Bonds for Schools.

Build America Bonds. These "taxable tax credit bonds" are designed for subsidizing state and local government obligations, a category that includes school construction [p. 245]. See the U.S. Treasury guidance notice Build America Bonds and Direct Payment Subsidy Implementation.

The language of the ARRA and the Conference Report upon which it is based is identical in the sections cited above.

Spend Smartly

SPEND SMARTLY

The fiscal stimulus provides an unprecedented opportunity to improve teaching and learning in our nation's schools. Spend wisely. Spend smartly!

THINK HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS > HIGH PERFORMING STUDENTS

Discuss potential school improvement projects with your entire school faculty and staff. Ask these questions of each project:

1) Is it educationally appropriate? Some projects, like fixing a leaky roof, are an outright necessity, but many are judgment calls. Is money better spent on security cameras or improving classroom acoustics? Teachers need to be given an effective voice in these matters. The idea is to make both school buildings and students high performing.

2) Is it neighborhood friendly? School improvement projects often have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Consult with neighbors and give them the opportunity to voice their opinions. Treated with consideration, neighbors can be strong allies.

3) Is it environmentally sound? Energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality should be a high priority for every project. But not all design professionals understand the ways lighting, acoustics, indoor air quality, comfort, and safety enhance learning. Be picky. Hire consultants who know how to save energy and enhance the learning environment.

4) What is its long term impact? Some schools need major short-term repairs just to keep functioning. For them, the economic stimulus will appear to be a godsend. But could the stimulus money be better spent as a partial contribution to a complete building overhaul? Although this question may have no easy answer, think it through. Don't let the stimulus funding make you throw good money after bad. Be creative. Try to develop a spending plan based on the long term.

Organizations supporting this "high performance" approach to schools include the National Institute of Building Sciences, the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI), the American Institute of Architects, the American Architectural Foundation, Rebuild America's Schools, the 21st Century School Fund, the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), the U.S.G.B.C. Build Green Schools Program, the National School Plant Management Association, the Coalition for Community Schools, and the Society for College and University Planning.

USE THE BEST TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE

School technology is rapidly becoming integrated and web-based, from the classroom to school administration, facilities operations, and security. But it's a complicated subject, so be informed and seek expert, third-party guidance. See the NCEF Technology resource lists.

MAKE YOUR SCHOOL ENERGY-SMART

The U.S. Department of Energy's EnergySmart Schools program calls for new schools to be 50 percent more efficient than current energy codes require and existing schools to be 30 percent more efficient. To achieve these goals, EnergySmart Schools provides information and resources on financing; tools and resources to assist decision makers in planning; best practices for building industry professionals on energy-efficient school construction and renovation; best practices for facilities managers on operating and maintaining high-performance systems and equipment; and resources for teachers in developing energy-related curricula.

Many states have their own Energy Smart Schools programs. Check with your state department of education or energy.

Other excellent sources of information are:

-- Greening America's Schools: Costs and Benefits.

-- ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings, http://www.ashrae.org/publications/page/1604.

-- The Alliance to Save Energy.

CHECK OUT C.H.P.S. AND THE BUILD GREEN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the U.S Green Building Council's Build Green Schools program provide extensive information on building energy-efficient, healthy, high performance schools. CHPS Registered gives schools and districts free access to tools and resources for designing, constructing, modernizing and operating high performance school facilities.

REMEMBER SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH

Visit the NCEF Safe Schools webpage for information on making your school facilities safe and secure. For hazard mitigation, see the NCEF publication Mitigating Hazards in School Facilities, including the 25 online NCEF Assessment Guides, or the NCEF Safe Schools Facilities Checklist.

Several states have school safety centers; check with your state department of education.

For environmental health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool, Version 2 [HealthySEAT].

TAP NCEF's 18,000 RESOURCES

NCEF provides access to over 18 thousand resources on school planning, design, construction, maintenance, and repair. Explore the NCEF Resource Lists -- over 150 subject-based compilations of books, studies, reports, journal articles, and websites. Resource lists that may be of special interest to recipients of economic stimulus funds are shown in the Related NCEF Resource Lists section, below.

To locate more specific information, use NCEF's search box at the top of this webpage, or NCEF's Advanced Search.

For a wide variety of online building design and construction criteria, refer to the Whole Building Design Guide.

The standard textbook on school planning and design is Educational Facilities Planning: Leadership, Architecture, and Management by Ken Tanner and Jeff Lackney. To order, Allyn & Bacon, 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116.

For general building assessments:

(1) California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing's (CASH) Facility Inspection Tool Guidebook

(2) The Council of Education Facility Planners, International's Creating Connections: The CEFPI Guide for Educational Facility Planning; the Guide for School Facility Appraisal; and An Appraisal Guide for Older, Historic School Facilities. Order from http://www.cefpi.org/i4a/ams/amsstore.

(3) Henry Sanoff's School Building Assessment Methods.

Some states have developed their own school facility assessment tools; check with your state department of education.

FAQ

Q: How much ARRA money is allocated to my state/district/school for school modernization?

A: School modernization, among many other competing needs, MAY be funded from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund in states where governors and state and local officials decide to use funds for that purpose. To learn the overall amount of State Fiscal Stabilization Funds your state will be receiving, see the Department of Education's allocations at ARRA State and Local Allocation Tables. To see states' applications for initial funding under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program, see State Grants.

Q: What is the allocation of Qualified Zone Academy Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds to my state or local education agency in 2009 and 2010? Are there guidelines for using these tax credit bond programs?

A: On April 3, the Department of the Treasury released guidance and allocations. See Qualified Zone Academy Bond Allocations for 2008 and 2009 and Qualified School Construction Bond Allocations for 2009.

Q: How can I determine if my state is using ARRA funds for school modernization?

A: Once funds are distributed to states, the official ARRA website, located at Recovery.gov, will help you track your state's recovery funds, including school modernization projects, where applicable. States are creating websites with information on their ARRA expenditures, as well. See the state webpage map.

Q: Can schools and institutions of higher education use Build America Bonds to finance construction and modernization projects?

A: Yes, Build America Bonds are taxable bonds that will provide much-needed funding for state and local governments at lower borrowing costs. The capital projects these bonds would fund include schools. For implementation guidance, see Build America Bonds Implementation..

Q: What stimulus funding is available for modernization or construction of institutions of higher education facilities?

A: 1) States and state governors may choose to direct funds from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund for the modernization, renovation, and repair of institutions of higher education facilities. 2) Higher education institutions will be able to finance projects with Build America Bonds. 3) The following government agencies have stimulus funding in their budgets for modernization and construction of academic research facilities: National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. For continuously updated information on sources of Recovery Act funding for higher education, see NCEF Summary Chart.

Q: Is stimulus funding provided to repair,modernize, or construct Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools?

A: 1) The Department of Interior has allocated $277.7 million for the construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of BIA schools. 2) There is $400 million in Qualified School Construction Bonds for Indian Schools. 3) Additional funding of $100 million will be available to school districts that receive Impact Aid for emergency repairs and school modernization. 4) Energy efficiency block grants are allocated to tribes that may be used for improving the energy efficiency of school buildings. See Department of Interior Recovery Investments.

Q: Are schools and higher education institutions eligible for funding for energy efficiency improvements from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program and the State Energy Program?

A: ARRA provides $3.1 billion to the State Energy Program and $3.2 billion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to be allocated by states, cities, counties, tribes, and territories. According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy, among many options, funds are available for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in public buildings, including public and private non-profit schools. Schools, school districts, or higher education insitutions are advised to begin working with their state or local energy offices that are now developing their overall energy conservation strategy. Schools must be included in that strategy in order for there to be subgrants that schools may apply for. See Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and State Energy Program . DOE now has a Clearinghouse with helpful information online and a toll free number to call. See DOE Recovery Act Clearinghouse .

Q: May an LEA use Education Stabilization funds for construction activities that are not considered to be modernization, renovation, or repair?

A: Yes, according to Modifications to Questions in the Guidance on the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program, May 11, 2009, an LEA (including a charter school LEA) may use funds to support the construction of new school buildings, including construction activities that are consistent with a recognized green-building rating system. However, the Department discourages LEAs from using Education Stabilization funds for new construction because this use of funds may limit an LEA’s ability to meet other essential needs or implement necessary reform initiatives. The Department does not discourage an LEA from using Education Stabilization funds for modernization, renovation, or repair.

Q: May an Institution of Higher Education use Education Stabilization funds to support new construction?

A: No, according to Guidance on the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program, an IHE may use Education Stabilization funds only for modernization, renovation, or repair activities. See pages 34-38 of the Guidance.

Q: Can school districts and community college districts apply directly for State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds or do they have to partner with a city, county or other entity?

A: Only the designated State Energy Office is eligible to apply to the Department of Energy (DOE) for SEP funds. Only specified cities and counties (as listed in DOE's Funding Opportunity Announcement) are eligible to apply to DOE for EECBG funds. Funding solicitations for elibible projects will be released by those entities.

Q: What has the Department of Education recommended to decision makers using ARRA funds for school modernization that will improve educational outcomes and advance reforms?

A: The Education Department's recommendation is to modernize schools to be open to the community, accessible, and energy efficient, and to have up-to-date science labs and technology that enhance learning. Include early learning facilities that are safe and appropriate for the youngest children. See Using ARRA Funds to Drive School Reform and Improvement, April 24, 2009.

Related Events

Recent Journal Articles

Charter School Business: Stimulus Funds Available for Charter School Facility Financing in Small Communities.
Charter School Monthly, November 2009

The Hot Iron. [Saving Money on School Construction.]
American School Board Journal, October 2009

Opportunity and Danger: The Two Sides of the American Recovery and Investment Act.
School Business Affairs, September 2009

New Money for Labs: Tips for Responding to the Federal Initiative.
Laboratory Design, June 2009

Aid for Facilities.
American School and University, June 2009

Getting a Piece of the Pie: Schools Need to Be Proactive, Flexible When Pursuing Stimulus Funding.
Educational Facility Planner, June 2009

School Facilities and Tax Credit Bonds.
Educational Facility Planner, June 2009

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Build New or Renovate School Facilities?

Community Participation in School Planning

Condition of Schools in America

Healthy School Environments

High Performance Green Schools

Preserving Historic Neighborhood Schools

School Energy Savings

School Facilities Assessment

School Facilities Funding - Federal

School Modernization and Renovation

Selecting School Design Professionals

Tax Credit Bonds for Schools

Technology Integration 2006-2009