Asumag 539 Jagron
Asumag 539 Jagron
Asumag 539 Jagron
Asumag 539 Jagron
Asumag 539 Jagron

Promising Signs

Jan. 1, 2011
As we begin 2011, a number of promising signs signal that the worst may be behind us.

As we begin 2011, a number of promising signs signal that the worst may be behind us. Among them: the economy is steadily improving, the employment picture has stabilized, and consumers are feeling positive enough to spend more on the things that matter — including education.

While we are by no means out of the woods yet, many education institutions across the country are having success passing significant bond issues for new facilities construction, improving and adding to existing buildings, and other capital expenditures. Among the largest bond issues passed by school districts in 2010 ($ millions):

1. Albuquerque (N.M.) School District: $617

2. Northside (Texas) Independent School District: $535

3. San Antonio (Texas) Independent School District: $515

4. Katy (Texas) Independent School District: $459

5. West Contra Costa (Calif.) Unified School District: $380

6. Tulsa (OK) School District: $354

7. Mount Diablo (Calif.) Unified School District: $348

8. San Marcos (Calif.) Unified School District: $287

9. Fresno (Calif.) Unified School District: $280

10. Seattle (WA) School District: $270

Certain areas of the country experienced more funding activity than others. For example, school districts in California and Texas accounted for seven of the 10 largest bond issues passed. But although capital funding issues had some success for various education institutions in 2010, general operating budgets continued to suffer — and will continue to be under pressure this year. Education institutions are facing significant budgetary pressures that see little sign of improving soon, especially as ARRA funding comes to a close.

There are, however, steps education institutions can take to navigate these challenging times. This is the focus of "Outlook 2011," which looks at what's ahead for schools and universities in the new year and beyond. From funding and budgetary concerns, to security and technology demands, to construction and sustainability initiatives, "Outlook 2011" offers valuable insight that can better prepare you and your institution for what promises to be another challenging year.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to design flexible learning spaces that teachers love and use

Unlock the potential of flexible learning spaces with expert guidance from school districts and educational furniture providers. Discover how to seamlessly integrate adaptive ...

Blurring the Lines in Education Design: K–12 to Higher Ed to Corporate America

Discover the seamless integration of educational and corporate design principles, shaping tomorrow's leaders from kindergarten to boardroom. Explore innovative classroom layouts...

Room to Learn: Furniture Solutions for Education

Preparing students for the future. Utilizing our experience in the education market, we offer a dynamic selection of products that pair technology with furniture to help stimulate...

Transforming Education: A Case Study in Progressive Classroom Design

Discover how Workspace Interiors and the Baldwin School District reshaped learning environments in Long Island, New York, creating pedagogically responsive spaces that foster ...