Using bond funds on repairs instead of construction costs Cleveland district millions

June 11, 2012
District is losing out on matching construction funds from state

From The Cleveland Plain Dealer: In constant search of more money for daily operations, the Cleveland school district has chipped dollars away from the $335 million school renovation and construction fund that voters approved 11 years ago. The shifts are all legal and there are no indications that the Cleveland district has spent any money from the bond issue on anything other than school repairs and construction. But bond money spent on emergency repairs is costing taxpayers because every dollar of the bond issue not spent on state-approved school construction projects means the district loses out on a two-for-one match from the state. All together, about $63 million that could have qualified for that match has been used for other purposes, amounting to more than $125 million in state money the district has not received. District officials say they know the practice isn't cost-effective, but immediate repair needs and multi-million budget deficits force their hand.

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 ...