Inflation has affected school construction through cost increases, defeated bond issues, fewer buildings and additions, and steep interest rates. Explains how dwindling construction money is being spent. (KJ)

Maps are becoming essential strategic components for school business officials. The power of the personal computer is bringing map analysis programs down to the desktop level. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will help business managers display student data, analyze school boundaries, route buses and maintenance vehicles, chart home values,…

School systems with a rating of "A" or lower can save money by insuring their bonds because, in almost every instance, the reduced borrowing cost more than offsets the bond insurance premium. Included is a list compiled by Donna Harrington-Lueker of the four major players in the bond insurance field and elements to consider in choosing…

The combined effect of the "Serrano" decision and Proposition 13 left California school districts with aging, overcrowded facilities. Chico schools won a $18.5 million general obligation bond election for facilities construction. With $11 billion needed for new school construction, California will need to tap local sources. A sidebar…

Explains how school systems can fund a self-insurance program with a bond issue. To meet the costs involved, a group of school systems or other governmental entities can join to create a risk pool. (MLF)

Notes four strategies that will almost certainly result in losing a school bond election, then discusses four strategies that increase the probability of passage. (SR)

To help sell a school bond issue in Akron, Ohio, the district recruited speakers that the voters could identify with: coaches, school board members, ministers, parents, senior citizens, and key school staff members. Speakers were brought together for a training session to go over presentation skills and the key selling points identified by the…

Provides an overview of changes in Treasury Regulations as they affect school debt financing, including bond and note construction and acquisition issues, other types of equipment and property financing, as well as tax and revenue anticipation notes for working capital needs. (MLF)

A rural Wisconsin school district passed a $5.5 million referendum package on the first try. Credit is given to a 20-minute video edited by a volunteer school-board member. The amateurish, homemade effort did not seem to hurt the video's effectiveness. An address is given to obtain a copy of the video. (MLF)

Discusses how including the community in the decision-making process for school design helps prioritize design needs in new school construction and inspires customization and creativity. Highlights an example of how community inclusion can help sell new-construction bond issues. (GR)

Since the State of Maryland does not provide funds for the construction of dormitories, dining halls, student activities, buildings, and similar ancillary services, an outline of cost responsibilities for such facilities in the state college system is presented. Based on a discussion of the financing methods for ancillary projects, the role of the…

An outline is presented of business procedures related to the many facets of educational program operations. Statutes, regulations, practices, attorney general's opinions and reports, and court decisions relative to school business in Iowa are cited. While the report is a review of the procedures for the state of Iowa, a number of procedures are…

This report describes the elements necessary for successful school elections and outlines steps to predict voter reaction. Written primarily for school officials and local citizens' committees, the report analyzes the variables influencing voter turnout and behavior such as occupation, educational level, income, age, parents of school children,…

Outlines strategies which have proven successful in developing, conducting, and passing tax referendum campaigns, with regard to collection of data, length of campaign, need for competent leadership, development of community and business support, and use of students, administrators, and school staff in conducting the campaign. (MB)

New or remodeled library learning centers for 125 elementary and 44 high schools are close to completion in Columbus, Ohio. (MLF)