Supporters of lowering the threshold for passing a school bond measure will try again in the upcoming legislative session in Washington.

According to Education Week, Washington is one of 10 states in the country that require greater than 50% approval to pass school bonds.

Bonds provide funding for capital projects, including the purchase of property for a new school, the construction of buildings, or the modernization of existing schools. Bonds are sold to investors and repaid with interest over time from local property tax collections.

School levies only require a simple majority for passage. In Washington, most levy dollars are spent on staff compensation. 

Bonds require a supermajority – 60% – to pass and require voter turnout of at least 40% of the voters who cast a ballot in the last general election.

Six other states also require 60% approval for school bond measures, while Idaho requires two-thirds approval for passage. 

Because of the higher threshold, many districts have a tough time getting bond measures approved, often putting them before voters multiple times over several years without success.

Democrats have wanted the bond passage threshold dropped to 50%, as many districts can get support from a simple majority of voters, as opposed to the more difficult supermajority threshold.

For example, on the Nov. 5 ballot, Issaquah voters were asked to approve a $642.3 million School Modernization and Construction Bond. About 50.08% of voters approved the measure, short of the 60% required for passage.

Students in Harrison County may be on holiday break, but many school employees are still hard at work ensuring the buildings remain operational and prepared for the return of staff and students.

According to Harrison County Superintendent of Schools Dora Stutler, maintenance crews and head custodians continue their duties throughout the break.

"They use this time to get caught up on jobs they normally can't do when students and teachers are there," Stutler said. "Plus, they monitor the heating during the breaks."

Stutler explained that maintenance crews and custodians regularly inspect the buildings to ensure everything is in good condition.

More than 1.5 million children are studying in dilapidated school buildings, a Guardian investigation has found, with years of underinvestment leaving England’s public infrastructure in a crumbling state.

A study of public sector building conditions, including hospitals, schools and courts, has found thousands are in need of urgent repair, with conditions so bad in many that they are endangering the lives of those who visit and work in them.

One school in Cumbria had to be evacuated because inspectors found the floor could collapse at any moment. At a hospital in Sutton, the Guardian found masking tape holding windows in place and mud seeping through the floor.

The investigation combines data from multiple government departments for the first time, and has prompted calls for ministers to spend hundreds of millions of pounds more to carry out immediate improvements.

Haverhill’s Silver Hill School was recently invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s accelerated repair program as the first step toward replacing the school’s aging roof.

The state agency’s board of directors invited the school, built in 1993, into the program more than three years after the School Committee first tried for financial assistance for the project. School Committee member Richard J. Rosa confirmed the school system expects the program to cover approximately 76% of the still-to-be-determined total cost of the project. In Rosa’s words, taking advantage of the state’s repair program is “a fiscally responsible step to ensure our schools remain safe, efficient, and conducive to teaching and learning.”

“With the Silver Hill roof beyond its expected lifespan, our partnership with the MSBA allows us to make necessary upgrades while leveraging state funding to ease the burden on Haverhill taxpayers. We have to continually commit to maximizing opportunities like these—whether the Accelerated Repair Program or grants—to benefit our students and community,” he added.

Today’s teachers and students aren’t tethered to a wall by technology. Nor do they embrace a traditional, one-sided classroom. New pedagogies and learning styles — i.e., visual, kinetic, contemplative and collaborative — are shaping not only the way teachers teach, but the way we design the spaces in which education flourishes. The freedom and challenge of creating forward-thinking and effective school design involves understanding and incorporating a range of teaching styles and priorities into each reenvisioned classroom. Of course, administrators must also navigate the funding hurdles of building or renovating these spaces. As pedagogies, technologies and funding requirements evolve, here’s what’s trending in the K-12 school design landscape for 2025 and beyond. 

Flexible, Resilient Spaces 
Every corner, wall and inch of today’s classroom has the potential to be functional. Designing four-sided classrooms that allow for collaborative projects as well as individualized learning (in all its forms) requires flexibility. In terms of today’s layout, that may mean creating breakout spaces for quiet moments where students can read and focus while retaining visible connectivity for teachers to observe what’s happening in those areas. Another option to shape learning spaces differently involves clustering classrooms (while still meeting square-footage requirements) and dividing that larger space into both contemplative and collective learning environments. 

Schools face many costs in educating students, but energy bills are some of the largest expenses.

Now, a new state grant program that aims to save schools money through solar energy is open for applications.

Solar power has grown rapidly over the last decade as the price of solar panels has fallen. But even though electricity from solar is one of the cheapest forms of energy over the life of the panels, the upfront cost of a private array can be a deterrent.

The Solar for Schools grant program, funded by $25 million in state money, will cover up to half the project cost of installing solar for grant winners. It’s open to public school districts, intermediate units, charter schools, and community colleges. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2025.

Schools may also take advantage of federal tax credits for using renewable energy through elective or “direct” pay, and get money from the IRS for qualifying projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Renew America's Schools Prize. This initiative will invest an anticipated $90 million in school districts around the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades in their schools. 

The prize focuses on improving air quality, reducing energy use and costs, and lowering emissions across school facilities, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged and/or rural local educational agencies (LEAs). This funding is available for various energy improvements, including HVAC systems, building envelope enhancements, lighting upgrades, renewable energy technologies, alternative energy-fueled vehicles, infrastructure, and more.  

During Phase 1 of the 2025 Renew America's Schools Prize, teams will identify a portfolio of eligible school facilities demonstrating both need and eligibility for energy improvements. Up to 14 Phase 1 Winners will earn a cash prize of $300,000 for successfully building teams and submitting compelling applications identifying need. DOE will down-select to identify winners who may move on to Phases 2 and 3, wherein they will enter and execute Cooperative Agreements with DOE. Awards made in Phases 2 and 3 will vary by portfolio size but could range from $7.5 million to $15 million. 

METHUEN, Mass. — On Saturday, Methuen Superintendent of Schools Brandi Kwong wrote an update to families regarding mice issues around the towns schools.
Since September, the schools have had ongoing informal and formal inspections from the city regarding areas of concerns within each school. The inspections found an alarming amount of mice in the Donald P. Timony school, Marsh Grammar school, Tenney Grammar school, and Methuen High.
“I mean I don’t really want mice in my school,” said Yandel Martinez, a 6th grade student.
METHUEN, Mass. — On Saturday, Methuen Superintendent of Schools Brandi Kwong wrote an update to families regarding mice issues around the towns schools.
Since September, the schools have had ongoing informal and formal inspections from the city regarding areas of concerns within each school. The inspections found an alarming amount of mice in the Donald P. Timony school, Marsh Grammar school, Tenney Grammar school, and Methuen High.
“I mean I don’t really want mice in my school,” said Yandel Martinez, a 6th grade student.
 

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— The School Building Authority will be making much needed funding decisions Tuesday morning.

The SBA has $54 million of NEEDs funding to give out, however 30 counties have requested funds that total $250 million. Five of those counties need funding in order to build a new school.

In November, the SBA saw presentations from 28 different counties on what specific funding they needed and what their plans were for the funds.

Kanawha County was among the counties that requested money to build a new school after they voted to close four elementary schools in October. They want to build a new elementary school that would fit the students of Belle, Malden, Midland Trail and Mary Ingles. The county currently has $40 million and are requesting $20 million from the SBA.

Another county that has requested money to build a new school is Putnam County. They want to build a new Hurricane Middle School because the current building is old. They were able to pass a bond in the November election in order to get $40 million in funds, they are asking the SBA for $25 million.

Navigating the fallout from a natural disaster like a wildfire or hurricane is a complex process for school district leaders—especially if it’s their first experience attempting to secure federal financial assistance for recovery efforts.

And as climate change increasingly causes more severe natural disasters and emergencies like large wildfires, extreme heat and cold, and intense storms, more districts may need to seek funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, in the years to come to pay for facility repairs, debris removal, or temporary classroom facilities.

Leaders from three districts who have navigated the aftermath of natural disasters shared their top tips for other district leaders to remember in a similar situation during a Dec. 9 webinar hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

Department of Defense Education Activity has opened an annex to its middle school at Naval Base Guam to accommodate the growing student population. The annex at William C. McCool Elementary Middle School debuted Thursday with a formal ceremony, according to a Facebook post by the base that day. Seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms will move to the annex during the summer break in time for the 2025-26 school year, the post said. “We are thrilled to open this space for our upper middle school students at McCool,” Lois Rapp, DODEA Pacific director for student excellence, said in a DODEA news release Dec. 3. The annex was previously a dental facility. With the renovations it has additional classrooms, a science lab area and flexible learning spaces, according to the release. Neither the Navy’s post nor DODEA’s release listed a cost for the renovation. A contact for the Navy-funded project was awarded in July 2022, and the work was completed in October, Department of Defense Education Activity-Pacific spokeswoman Miranda Ferguson said by email Wednesday. The annex was designed to support an additional 120 students. “Enrollment at McCool Elementary Middle School has remained relatively steady for the past five years; however, the student population is projected to increase,” she wrote.

The city’s work to deliver a state-of-the-art school project for Somerville students is moving into the next phase in the state’s school building funding process. The Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Board of Directors voted to move Somerville’s project forward. The vote by the MSBA Board is a required step that occurs at several points throughout the multi-year process. 

Somerville’s school building project through the MSBA would address the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Brown School. 

Today’s approval means the project can enter the next phase of project development. Beginning in January 2025, the City can now start a formal procurement process to hire an Owner’s Project Manager to oversee the project, and then a Design/Architecture firm. In both processes, the School Building Committee will be directly involved and the MSBA will ultimately need to approve the hires. 

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to require that all school districts develop plans to mitigate extreme heat in classrooms and support services spaces and to establish a maximum allowable temperature to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. By setting clear guidelines for extreme heat conditions, the bill will help schools ensure their spaces are conducive to student learning, reduce unnecessary disruptions, and provide for the health and safety of all those in their buildings.

"Extreme heat can significantly impact a student's concentration, focus and ability to learn,” Governor Hochul said. "With this new law, we are continuing to make the health and safety of our kids and educators a top priority and ensuring that every New York student has access to the safe and comfortable learning environment they deserve."

Legislation S3397-A/A9011-A establishes 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in classrooms and support services spaces. It requires a plan for the removal of students and staff from these spaces where it is practical for the school district to do so. It also creates a definition of extreme heat condition days as well as a standard to measure room temperature. In addition to the above, school districts will be required to take action to relieve heat related discomfort when classroom temperatures reach 82 degrees. Such actions can include turning off overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows, turning off electronics, and providing water breaks.

The state school board on Wednesday approved another round of school closures in West Virginia after county superintendents repeated a similar problem: student enrollment is rapidly declining and causing financial distress.

Seven schools throughout Clay, Preston, Wetzel and Wood County will close in the next few years. Impacted students will be moved into already-existing schools.

“Most towns die after a closure of a high school,” said Charles Goff, mayor of the town of Hundred in Wetzel County. He spoke to board members in Charleston ahead of the vote. “[Towns] lose incorporated status, lose elected officials in town, and it leads to fire departments closing and town charters being revoked. That includes losing EMS. We are an hour away from the hospital, and fire and EMS are crucial in our community.”

There has been a wave of proposed school closures this year as counties are faced with budget holes spurred by student population loss. West Virginia’s overall population is declining. Roughy 4,000 students left public schools this year; some of those students left to attend private and charter schools or to be homeschooled.

The districtwide price tag to correct maintenance issues at Minot’s aging school buildings is more than $146.39 million, according to a facility assessment presented to the Minot Public School Board Thursday.
The board heard updates on the district facility assessment and on the outcome of a recent utilization of virtual learning days during a winter storm in November.
Katelyn Crider and Dan Miller with JLG Architects presented the long awaited facility assessment for the district, which studied 22 facilities in the district. The assessment reviewed each site’s exterior envelope or roofing; the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; American Disabilities Act concerns; fire and safety issues; other safety and security concerns; and any other known maintenance issues.
Miller said each aspect or system was scored on a priority points system, which he stressed wasn’t based on expected costs but rather on how critical updating or replacing the current system is based on its function and life expectancy. Each score included a recommended period for the issue to be addressed, between immediately and seven years down the road.
“If this system fails, what is the risk it will actually disrupt learning in the school?” Miller said. “Consider it more of a risk factor.”
 

Numerous public schools across Philadelphia contend with aging buildings and a shortage of basic amenities, including adequate air conditioning.

Some school buildings are either too spacious or too cramped for their current student populations, while others are burdened with environmental hazards, like asbestos or mold.

Schools Superintendent Tony Watlington, Sr. told WHYY News that the district is developing a long-term plan to fix the problems by the end of 2025. The plan will be submitted to the Board of Education for approval.

“The overall mission and strategy of the facilities plan is to do two things. One, to have a comprehensive plan to modernize our school facilities, which have an average age of 73 years; many are more than 120 years old,” Watlington said. “Number two, we want to more efficiently use our facilities because we’ve got a number of schools that are overenrolled and a number of schools that are under-enrolled. By addressing those issues, we can create the conditions for driving better student achievement.”

CHEYENNE — Two parents in Laramie County School District 1 are pursuing legal action in response to Wyoming’s School Facilities Commission (SFC) and State Construction Department’s (SCD) decision to approve a controversial plan that would close eight local schools.

Katie Dijkstal, a Jessup Elementary parent, and Franz Fuchs, a soon-to-be Deming parent, are petitioning the state district court to review the final agency actions, after a recent Most Cost Effective Remedy (MCER) study was adopted by the SFC in November.

The lawsuit, filed Dec. 6, demands judicial review of the SFC’s adoption of Remedy 4, outlined in the MCER, which would close eight schools across the district in order to fund essential maintenance and build two new schools, according to the district.

Community concerns

The study was required by the Legislature in order for the district to access state funds set aside for this project, and received virtually no public input until it was voted on by the local school board in October.

Parents were deeply concerned about the lack of public input and cited it as a reason to at least delay the LCSD1 board’s decision. However, due to time constraints and the advice of their legal counsel and the SCD, the board went ahead and unanimously voted the MCER through.

Since the school board voted in October, parents have been vocal about opposing Remedy 4, even proposing alternatives that were included in the MCER to the commission when it took its final vote in November.

“Laramie County School District 1, the School Facilities Commission, and the State Construction Department all refuse to take accountability for this unprecedented study and subsequent decision,” Dijkstal said in a news release. “Now families are forced to take this action to protect the rights of our students. It’s no wonder no one wants to take responsibility for this decision, which will irreparably harm students, families and the Cheyenne community.”

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Nine hundred and forty students will go to a different school next fall in Mesa County.
 
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, District 51 school board members voted to close three elementary schools in the Grand Valley, citing declining enrollment and poor building conditions.
 
A committee tasked with addressing declining enrollment throughout the district recommended closing Scenic Elementary and Clifton Elementary. The reason for closing Nisley Elementary, the third school shutting down next year, is years of academic underperformance based on Colorado Department of Education criteria.  
 
East Middle School and the Fruita 8/9 school shut down last year, with the district citing low enrollment, and a consolidation of teachers and students being a better use of resources. Those closures save the district more than $3 million in recurring costs, according to superintendent Brian Hill.
 
“There's almost 27 positions that we are staffing in our elementary schools right now, that we don't actually have the funding for because we don't have the kids for it,” he said.

The ongoing draft of city schools’ roadmap for facilities reveals that its three main priorities over the next four to five years involve Bowling Green Junior High School, Potter Gray Elementary and W.R. McNeill Elementary.
On Tuesday, the Bowling Green Independent School District Board of Education approved a Feb. 10, 6 p.m. public hearing on this document, the District Facility Plan.  One of the top three priorities is adding space at BGJHS – such as classroom space and additional cafeteria space – due to student enrollment, BGISD Superintendent Gary Fields said. The plan draft also calls for upgrades to the bones of the building, such as roofing and HVAC work, Fields said.  “That building started construction back in early ’99,” he said. “A lot of those systems are aging, so there’ll be a chance to look at those.”
 

Portland Public Schools is re-evaluating three high school reconstruction projects after receiving cost estimates that soared to more than $450 million each.
“To be really, really blunt about it, if these high schools cost $425 (million) to $450 million, they won’t be the most expensive high schools built in Oregon — they may be the most expensive high schools ever built in the United States,” said Andrew Scott, a school board member. “That is not an award that we want to win.”
Scott’s comments came during a Dec. 2 meeting of the school board’s Facilities Improvement Oversight Committee.
In an email to parents, the district stated that cost estimates to rebuild Cleveland, Jefferson and Ida B. Wells-Barnett high schools exceeded $450 million each — more than $1.3 billion in total. PPS Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong has directed the project managers for each project to evaluate costs with an eye toward finding savings.
“PPS leadership believes that the costs for the three new high schools should be scrutinized and made more manageable,” the district stated in the Dec. 6 email. “In order to achieve this goal, each school’s design team is pausing current work on the projects and will focus on preparing options for design, schedule and budget, which the superintendent and Board of Education will review at a future board meeting.”
A district spokesman declined to comment on the cost re-evaluations.