Save a Penny, Lose a School: The Real Cost of Deferred Maintenance
Date Published: 06/01/2003
Author: Barbara Kent Lawrence, Ed.D.
Publisher: The Rural School & Community Trust
This article, one of the Rural Trust Policy Brief Series, describes the problem of deferred maintenance for school facilities, especially in small rural disticts. Many rural areas are experiencing either a surge or a dramatic decline in student population, leading to financial pressures for new school construction, maintenance, and repairs. Despite the importance of proper maintenance, affecting health and safety, few states provide funding for routine maintenance and local funding is often reallocated to more immediate expenses. This policy brief explores the extent, causes and consequences of deferred maintenance on charter schools. It offers recommendations for policy, practice, and funding changes to alleviate the problem.
Topics: Education, Children & Youth, --Educational Facilities
Type: Trade Article