Cheryl Shaw co-authored an article for Spaces4Learning about how various financing strategies can help Georgia school districts navigate around challenges like high inflation, supply shortages, and high costs of labor.

"Before a school district jumps into how it will finance a capital project like a new or expanded school, it needs a plan," they wrote. "These capital plans should take inventory of existing facilities, assess conditions of a district’s buildings and property, and project what the financial needs are over the next five years. The plan should include an estimate of the cost of needed renovations and modifications or what extent of construction is needed to provide a district’s educational programs."

"Think of this document like a budget with priorities," they continued. "Schools in need of renovation or work should be rated on a scale of 10 — 10 being great condition and 1 meaning the school is in very poor condition, renovation would be a waste of money, and it should be replaced completely. Outside agencies can help districts assess their schools to help come up with a budget to figure out what the cost will be to replace or renovate various components of the property so it’s usable for students."

Click here to read the full article: How These Financing Strategies Can Help Georgia School Districts Jump-Start Big Capital Projects

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