The use of many public school facilities now closed due to declining enrollment could generate substantial savings for new federal construction projects. Responses to a questionnaire sent to all 50 states by the General Accounting Office (GAO) show that there were 2,493 vacant schools in 19 of the 23 responding states at the beginning of the 1978-79 school year. Over one third of these were in good condition and located in areas making them suitable for continued use. Enrollment decline projected for the next five years will result in more school closings. While state and local authorities are not required to consider using vacant schools in lieu of new construction when requesting federal grants, use of these facilities is permitted when requirements are met. The GAO believes that consideration of the use of vacant buildings should be required of grantees requesting construction funds. (Author/PGD)