The B&D Perspective
Congratulations! Your school bond passed! Now what?
By Mark Newton
The passage of your local General Obligation (GO) bond can create an opportunity to make significant changes to your aging facilities. To make the most of this chance, it’s crucial to handle every step of the process, from planning to execution, with care. Here are key recommendations for district leaders:
- Start with comprehensive planning.
It all starts with an up-to-date facilities master plan. Make sure that your district has one that has been updated within the last five years. This should include evaluating building conditions, identifying areas that require urgent attention (i.e. demographics, enrollment trends, etc.), and accounting for future needs, such as site consolidations or changes in educational programming.
- Ensure financial stewardship.
Managing the financial aspects of a bond-funded project is a significant responsibility, AND is significantly different from your general fund budgeting and management. Establish a clear, transparent budget and timeline from the outset. Meticulous financial planning not only keeps the project on track but also reinforces public confidence in how the bond money is being used. If part of your funding is a locally-funded Proposition 39 GO bond, then you will need to establish a Citizen’s Oversight Committee to review your bond expenses and provide the community with an annual report.
- Emphasize sustainable and green building practices.
Incorporating sustainable practices is not only good for the environment but also a smart financial move in the long run. By using green building practices, school districts can create healthier learning environments for students and staff, while also modeling environmental responsibility.
- Foster flexible learning spaces.
The educational landscape is continually evolving, and school facilities should be designed to adapt to these changes. Flexible learning spaces allow for different teaching methods, technological advancements, and various learning styles. Movable furniture, open layouts, and multipurpose areas can accommodate group activities, independent study, and more interactive teaching methods.
- Invest in technology infrastructure.
Technology plays a central role in today’s project-based pedagogy system, and any facility upgrade must include robust technological infrastructure. This means ensuring high-speed internet access, sufficient electrical outlets, and advanced audiovisual equipment. Dedicated spaces for STEM learning, team-learning stations, and digital literacy programs are essential for preparing students for the future.
- Enhance safety and security.
The safety of students and staff is a top priority for any school district. Modern security systems, including surveillance cameras, controlled access points and event lockdown for all classrooms, and emergency communication tools, are essential components of a secure learning environment. It’s also important to design schools with clear sightlines, secure perimeters, and safety protocols that minimize risk during emergencies.
- Preserve and honor local culture and heritage.
Schools are not just educational institutions; they are community hubs. When designing new facilities or renovating existing ones, it’s important to celebrate the unique culture, history, and heritage of your community. This can be achieved by incorporating local art (including wall murals and student art), historical references, and cultural elements into the design. These features create a sense of pride and belonging among students, staff, and community members.
- Plan for long-term maintenance.
While new construction and renovations are often the focus, planning for the long-term upkeep of school facilities is equally important. Establishing a maintenance schedule and budgeting for repairs and updates will help preserve the quality of the buildings and avoid costly emergency repairs in the future.
- Engage in collaborative partnerships.
Partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, universities, and government agencies can provide valuable resources and expertise. These collaborations can lead to additional funding opportunities, shared resources, and educational programs that enhance the student experience.
- Communicate transparently and regularly.
Transparent communication with all stakeholders, including staff, parents, and the broader community, is essential for maintaining support throughout the project. Regular updates on progress, budget, and any challenges encountered will help keep everyone informed and engaged. Use a variety of communication channels, such as newsletters, social media, public meetings, and the district’s website, to reach a wide audience.
The passage of your local bond opens the door to exciting opportunities for school districts to improve their facilities. While the advice outlined here may seem comprehensive, it’s just the beginning. However, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed—there are professionals who specialize in the delivery of bond programs that achieve all of these goals and even exceed district expectations. By hiring these experts, districts can ensure that every aspect of the project is handled efficiently and effectively, from the early planning stages to the final execution.
Even if your bond did not pass, we still encourage you to seek expert assistance. There are options that involve the use of your existing assets and real estate to strategically optimize your portfolio to better align with your needs, goals and priorities.
With the right team in place, school leaders can focus on their primary mission—providing high-quality education—while having confidence that their facilities are being managed by seasoned professionals who will guide them every step of the way.
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Mark Newton is a senior vice president at Brailsford & Dunlavey, with almost 30 years of experience in managing PK-14 development projects and bond programs in California. He can be reached at mnewton@bdconnect.com. Brailsford & Dunlavey is a leading development advisory and program management firm with expertise in the planning and delivery of school projects and district-wide programs across the United States. For more information, visit bdconnect.com.
