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Abstract
Since the passage of Proposition 13 on June 6, 1978, California public school districts have been handicapped by the lack of adequate funding for new construction, replacement construction, and reconstruction projects.
Purpose. This study sought to identify and investigate the capital outlay building program funding methods which are currently available and utilized by school districts.
Procedures. Utilizing a descriptive research design to investigate correlations in financial and demographic characteristics and identify funding methods for school district building projects as they related, this study was undertaken. Results of a questionnaire from 186 responding public school districts were examined to determine what methods of funding were utilized, their frequency and adequacy. Additionally, respondent business official recommendations were solicited.
Findings. Demographic and financial characteristics have little, if any, bearing on what alternative method is utilized by public school districts to fund capital outlay building projects. Most school districts in California have a need for the funding of capital outlay building projects, and 93 percent of those districts who responded indicated that the currently available methods for funding those capital outlay building projects were inadequate.
Conclusions. (1) School district business officials are opposed to federal involvement in capital outlay building project funding. (2) The number of capital outlay building projects entered into since the passage of Proposition 13 has declined; exception, 1984-85. (3) Districts still have a very significant need for the funding of new construction, replacement construction, and reconstruction. This need in the surveyed districts is estimated to be in excess of $660,000,000. (4) The Leroy Greene program for funding school district capital outlay building projects is considered to be inadequate and untimely.
Recommendations. The Leroy Greene program for school facilities funding should be evaluated and changed to meet local public school district needs in a manner which is equitable and timely. A constitutional amendment which will provide for the adequate funding of capital outlay building projects on an ongoing basis should be sought.
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