District Funds
Capital funding for public school facilities is a shared responsibility between the State and the Districts. PSCOC awards are granted according to a state/local match agreement, which is calculated by the PSFA. The State/Local Match is based on US Census data, total assessed value figures provided by the Public Education Department, and total replacement cost based on the District’s combined facility square footage. This agreement is meant to protect the local autonomy and authority of school districts and provide state funding in a way that ensures uniformity and equal opportunity to all districts across the state.
State/Local Match
Options for Obtaining Local Match Funds
To receive PSFA funding, the district must provide the local match portion of the total cost of their project(s). There are several ways a District may attain their local share.
How to Pass a Bond Election
Every school district applying for PSCOC funding requires a 5-year Facilities Master Plan. The FMP identifies projects that may require bond funds such as:
- New or replacement schools
- Systems improvements/replacements
- Site improvements
Facilities Master Plan & the Bond Election Process
The FMP is the starting point and foundation for building community support for bond elections. Planning demonstrates a strategy behind facility improvement decision-making in order to maximize taxpayer dollars. Community involvement is key in passing bond elections. Those involved in the FMP process can advocate for bond passage.
Community Involvement in the FMP Process
There are various methods to involving the community, such as:
- Steering Committee
- Surveys
- Districtwide community meeting
At a minimum, the process should include:
- District administration (superintendent, business manager, department heads)
- School Board members
- Principals and teachers
- Support staff (maintenance, IT, custodial)
- Students
- Special program staff (OT/PTs, SLPs)
- Neighborhood organizations
- City, county, tribal, regional planners
- Business leaders
Establishing FMP Priorities
To establish FMP priorities, the community should evaluate facilities data, demographics, capacities, and utilization. Through the FMP process, the community develops a list of projects. It should examine the financial resources needed to implement projects, including bonds. Based on the data, the community should prioritze certain projects, some of which will be part of the bond in question.