This study investigates the school facility challenges and issues facing rural and small school districts in California. A mixed method approach was utilized (analysis of district characteristics, spending patterns, and 40 interviews with superintendents) to understand the capital investment patterns and facility planning processes of these districts. Using the findings, the report identifies challenges these districts face and concludes with state policy recommendations. [For the full report "Small Districts, Big Challenges: Barriers to Planning and Funding School Facilities in California's Rural and Small Public School Districts," see ED586248.]