1.) Most States Provided Facilities Financial Assistance, Though Levels Varied

A total of 40 states reported providing ongoing financial assistance to local districts for the construction of public elementary and secondary schools.Collectively, these states reported providing an estimated $3.5 billion in grants and loans for school facilities construction in state fiscal year 1994. On a per pupil basis, state funding provided in fiscal year 1994 ranged from a high of $2,254 per student in Alaska to a low of $6 per student in Montana (see table 2). Some states supplement their regular construction funding programs from time to time with additional monies for school facilities construction. 2). 3). Other types of facility information that states collected included data on the total appraised value of school facilities and building architectural plans. Nearly all states collecting information on the condition of school buildings reported maintaining other facilities data as well. Conclusions

Although local governments have traditionally been responsible for facilities construction, renovation, and major maintenance, most SEAs have established a state presence in school facilities matters using a variety of approaches. Methodology

To determine the extent to which states provided funding and technical assistance and compliance review for school facilities and maintained information on the condition of school buildings, we conducted telephone interviews with state officials responsible for school facilities in all 50 states.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the role of states in supporting school facilities improvements, focusing on: (1) state funding and technical assistance to local school districts; and (2) the extent to which states collect information on school building conditions.

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) most states have a role in school facilities construction, renovation, and maintenance, and 13 states have established comprehensive facilities programs; (2) states provided $3.5 billion for school facilities construction during fiscal year 1994; (3) state financial assistance for school facility construction ranged from $6 per student to more than $2,000 per student; (4) the number of staff devoted to providing facilities guidance and oversight varied, with most states having fewer than 6 full-time equivalent staff; (5) twenty-three states collected data on the condition of school buildings in their area, seventeen states collected data on building inventories, and 10 states collected no data on school facilities; and (6) some state officials believe that school facilities matters are primarily a local responsibility.