Modern Plumbing Strategies for K-12 School Additions and Renovations
-- PHCP Pros National: 11/02/2026 [ abstract]
School districts frequently expand existing campuses to accommodate enrollment growth, modern educational programs and aging infrastructure. In lieu of constructing entirely new replacement facilities, additions and annexes often provide a more practical and cost-effective solution for increasing capacity — particularly when projects require specialized spaces such as science labs, modern kitchens, locker rooms and other MEP-intensive areas. 
-- Mariusz Klimek and Scott Baron
Michigan elections: School districts seeking nearly $4 billion in bonds
-- The Mining Journal Michigan: 11/02/2026 [ abstract]
While the race for governor and US Senate continues to dominate the airwaves in Michigan, flying under the radar are more than 100 ballot questions to raise money for schools. Forty-two districts are asking voters to approve school bonds on Tuesday's ballot, according to Gongwer News Service.
-- Isabel Lohman
New K-12 initiative aims to strengthen school safety via mapping and software
-- WSB-TV Georgia: 11/01/2026 [ abstract]
CARROLLTON, Ga. — Technology providers GeoComm and Georgia-based SchoolDog announced a partnership aimed at helping K–12 school districts strengthen safety preparedness. The collaboration combines GeoComm’s mapping technology with SchoolDog’s safety management software to integrate campus mapping with daily district operations. The partnership links mapping context with routine safety management in school environments.
-- Sam Sachs
Overflowing school in downtown Jersey City is hitting a crisis point, parents say
-- Gothamist New Jersey: 10/31/2026 [ abstract]
A decadelong economic boom has transformed Jersey City’s Paulus Hook neighborhood into one of the most desirable in the city. But the influx of new families has led to chronic and often chaotic overcrowding at P.S. 16, the elementary school that serves the area. Toddlers in the school’s Pre-K program have to be bused throughout the city because the building has no room for them. District leaders have said for years that busing pre-K students to other city schools was a temporary solution. But next year, all of the kindergartners at the school — which serves students through the fifth grade — will be bused to other locations as well. The issue has become a constant complaint from frustrated parents speaking at school board and City Council meetings, and it’s become a key issue in Jersey City’s pivotal and crowded school board election.
-- Michael Sol Warren
Providence School Rebuild Plan Shifts Toward Pre-K-Through-8 Buildings
-- Uprise RI Rhode Island: 10/30/2026 [ abstract]
Providence, R.I. — Providence's next round of school construction would turn more buildings into pre-K-through-8 schools and combine two schools into one, according to a presentation to the City Council's Special Committee on Ways and Means at Tuesday night's meeting. The committee did not vote on the plan, and its members will see contract amendments for it later, according to the Providence Special Committee on Ways and Means' published meeting recording. The revised plan covers Phase 4, the newest part of the city's school building program. Christopher Spiegel, project executive and managing director of the firm overseeing Phase 4, told the committee that the School Building Committee and the Providence School Board had approved the plan unanimously. He described it as still proposed because the council controls the design-build contracts that must be amended before construction money can flow.
-- Adriana Vossari
Philadelphia School Board Approves First $200 Million of Its Facilities Plan as Council Members Rally Against Closures
-- Northeast Times Pennsylvania: 10/30/2026 [ abstract]
The Board of Education voted 6-1 on Thursday, Oct. 29, to approve up to $200 million in renovation projects at four Philadelphia schools, the first projects in the district’s 10-year facilities plan, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Board member Whitney Jones voted no, according to the Inquirer. Earlier in the day, City Council members, union leaders and students rallied outside district headquarters and called on Mayor Cherelle Parker to stop the planned closure of 17 schools, Chalkbeat Philadelphia and the Inquirer reported.
-- Nadia Rahman
California voters face $12.6B in school bonds. Here’s what districts want to do with the money
-- EdSource California: 10/30/2026 [ abstract]
Repairing roofs, bathrooms and gymnasium floors. Removing asbestos, mold and lead pipes. Modernizing labs and classrooms. These are among the repairs and projects school districts around the state are citing in their bid to convince voters to approve school bond measures. But a shaky economy could factor into how many will pass, experts say. Voters in 82 California school districts across 40 of the state’s 58 counties will decide a combined $12.6 billion in school bonds, the standard way schools borrow money for capital improvement and construction projects. School bonds require a 55% majority of votes to pass. 
-- Thomas Peele, Daniel J Willis and Yuxuan Xie
OPA initiates analysis of GDOE school facilities, student enrollment
-- Pacific Daily News Guam: 10/30/2026 [ abstract]
The Guam Office of Public Accountability has initiated an analysis of the Guam Department of Education’s school facilities and student enrollment to assess whether existing school facilities are appropriately aligned with the number of students being served. The analysis will cover all operating GDOE school facilities and student enrollment through School Year 2024–2025. Its preliminary objective is to determine whether the current student population aligns with the number, capacity, and utilization of existing school facilities, and whether decommissioning, consolidation, repurposing, or other alternatives may be necessary.
-- Rick Cruz
How to design school buildings to support special education teachers
-- District Administration National: 10/29/2026 [ abstract]
Special education staffing is typically treated as a recruiting, funding or training challenge. Those factors are only part of the challenge. Districts also need to ask whether teachers and paraprofessionals have the right spaces to do the job. During the 2024-25 school year, 45 states reported special education teacher shortages, according to the Learning Policy Institute. Facilities alone will not solve that shortage, but the school environment can either support special education staff or make an already demanding role harder to sustain.
-- Valerie Peterson and Alison Andrews
RPS has no records of preventative maintenance on chiller in years before failure caused mold, closure
-- CBS News Virginia: 10/28/2026 [ abstract]
RICHMOND, Va. — When a chiller at Barack Obama Elementary School broke down in May, school officials said it caused conditions that resulted in mold growth over the summer. The mold was so severe that it delayed the start of school in August by 9 days.
-- Tyler Layne
Two schools, two funding rates: Connecticut owes an explanation
-- Inklings Connecticut: 10/28/2026 [ abstract]
As a Staples student, I believe that students at other schools should have the same opportunities that we have. A safe building, working equipment and classrooms that can support the same level of learning as anywhere else. Still, the funding for Westhill High School’s new building raises a question worth asking: How does Connecticut decide how much each community pays? According to the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, the cost of the new school in Westhill is projected to be $446 million, while the state will provide 80% reimbursement, which totals $356.8 million state grant. The 450,000 square feet facility is expected to open its doors in August 2029.
-- Cody Feurstadt
‘Feeling the pinch’: Districts get creative with ballot measures
-- ID ED News Idaho: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
For decades, Idaho schools followed a familiar playbook for running ballot measures. Bonds were to build new buildings. Plant-facilities levies were for big repairs or remodels, like replacing a boiler or a roof. And supplemental levies were to expand or add programs like shop classes and athletics.
-- Emma Epperly
What could happen if Wake voters reject the $680 million school bond issue?
-- Yahoo News North Carolina: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
There would be major implications if Wake County voters reject the $680 million school construction bond referendum on Election Day. The school bond would provide much of the funding for a $832 million building program that includes three new schools, major renovations at nine schools and a variety of other projects, including HVAC and security upgrades.  
-- T. Keung Hui
Virginia lawmakers approve plan to advance new K-12 school funding formula
-- Virginia Mercury U.S. Virgin Islands: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
A state legislative subcommittee on Monday approved a plan to hire an expert to study a new school funding formula for Virginia, with up to 24 months to complete the work. The decision continues lawmakers’ work to update the state’s 52-year-old funding formula, which determines the Standards of Quality, or funding level for public schools. A December 2023 study showed that Virginia local governments spend far more on K-12 education than the state, underscoring the need for a clearer approach.
-- Nathaniel Cline
In rural Virginia, school construction needs are bringing Republicans and Democrats together on 1% sales tax
-- Cardinal News U.S. Virgin Islands: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
In a polarized political climate in which Democrats and Republicans often emphasize their differences, the two parties in Wythe County have found common ground on an issue that might seem unlikely to unite them: raising taxes. Both the county’s Republican and Democratic parties have endorsed a proposed 1% sales tax increase to help pay for more than $72 million in school construction and renovation projects. Their support comes as voters across Virginia prepare to decide whether their communities should adopt the same tax to address mounting school facility needs.
-- Meghan Mangrum
Energy Department Announces Up to $100 Million to Lower School Energy Costs and Modernize Facilities
-- US Departmentof Energy National: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) today announced a funding opportunity of up to $100 million to help public school districts reduce facility operating costs, improve the reliability of essential building systems, and develop financeable improvement plans that maximize public and private investments.
-- Press Release
NJBPU Closes Out Schools and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program
-- New Jersey Board of Public Utilities New Jersey: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]

TRENTON, N.J. — October 27, 2026 — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today announced the closeout of the Schools and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus (SSB) Program, a five-year initiative that obligated $179.2 million of a federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation across 364 projects. To date, $166.2 million has been paid out, and final payments on 19 projects are under way. “With nearly $180 million in federal funds committed, this program transitioned schools and small businesses from outdated systems to verified, code-compliant HVAC and plumbing upgrades,” said NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel. “The result is better indoor air quality and lower operating costs that will persist beyond the program’s closeout.”
-- Alonza Robertson
Detroit school district proposes bringing libraries back to 89 schools
-- Bridge Detroit Michigan: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
The Detroit district expects to have around $258.5 million in funding that may be used to fund long-sought school upgrades starting next year. Bringing libraries back to 89 schools is among the proposals the Detroit Public Schools Community District board is considering. If the board approves the plan in the coming months, the libraries could be partially open by fall 2027, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said.
-- Hannah Dellinger
In rural Virginia, school construction needs are bringing Republicans and Democrats together on 1% sales tax
-- Cardinal News Virginia: 10/27/2026 [ abstract]
In a polarized political climate in which Democrats and Republicans often emphasize their differences, the two parties in Wythe County have found common ground on an issue that might seem unlikely to unite them: raising taxes. Both the county’s Republican and Democratic parties have endorsed a proposed 1% sales tax increase to help pay for more than $72 million in school construction and renovation projects. Their support comes as voters across Virginia prepare to decide whether their communities should adopt the same tax to address mounting school facility needs.
-- Meghan Mangrum
California Invests Over $156 Million in CAL FIRE’s Green Schoolyards Program for Projects at Over 215 Campuses
-- Sierra Sun Times California: 10/26/2026 [ abstract]
More trees. More shade. Healthier schoolyards.  October 26, 2026 – CAL FIRE officials report that nearly 2.6 million California students attend schools where trees cover 5% or less of the areas where they play and spend time outdoors (according to a new EdSource analysis). We’re helping change that. Since 2022, California has invested more than $156 million through CAL FIRE’s Green Schoolyards program, supporting projects at more than 215 campuses and helping plant thousands of trees in communities across the state.
Here’s what NC’s proposed property tax amendment could do
-- WRAL News North Carolina: 10/25/2026 [ abstract]
A proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment on property taxes has drawn pushback from local leaders across the state, though voters largely appear poised to adopt it. The proposal would bake into the state constitution a limit to how much local governments would be allowed to raise property taxes. 
-- Emily Walkenhorst
Governor Announces $75.5 Million in New FEMA Obligations for Projects Across Puerto Rico
-- Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Puerto Rico: 10/24/2026 [ abstract]
La Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico – October 24, 2026 – Governor of Puerto Rico Jenniffer González-Colón announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $75,565,393.46 in federal funds to advance recovery and reconstruction projects across municipalities and communities throughout Puerto Rico. The new obligations include projects for the rehabilitation of public housing, structural improvements and seismic mitigation at schools, reconstruction and modernization of electrical infrastructure, repairs to disaster-damaged roads and municipal streets, coastal and slope stabilization, as well as improvements to recreational, cultural, educational, and government facilities.
-- Press Release
Schools continue to wait for facility funding from state as it experiences backlog
-- ABC News Arizona: 10/23/2026 [ abstract]
MESA — Leaky ceilings and failing AC units are among the building problems some Arizona school districts have been waiting years to fix, as a backlog of state repair grants leaves hundreds of projects unfunded.
-- Elenee Dao
Enrollment losses prompt school study
-- West Virginia Press West Virginia: 10/22/2026 [ abstract]
PRINCETON — The Mercer County Board of Education is embarking upon a feasibility study that could ultimately recommend school closures. The school board voted earlier this month to conduct the feasibility study and impact statement, which was recommended by School Superintendent Edward Toman in response to continued student enrollment losses. The two schools that Toman recommended be included in the study are Sun Valley Elementary in Lerona and the Mercer County Early Learning Center in Princeton, which is also known as the Silver Springs Early Learning Center.
-- Charles Owens
East Providence Council Seeks Public Works Review of Vacant School
-- Uprise RI Rhode Island: 10/22/2026 [ abstract]
East Providence, R.I. — The East Providence City Council on Tuesday night approved by voice vote a resolution asking the city's public works department to assess a vacant, city-owned former school building, according to the East Providence City Council's published meeting recording. The resolution does not settle the building's future. It asks public works staff to examine the building's condition. Councilman Rick Lawson, who introduced it, said he wants an honest, up-to-date list of what the building needs, starting with mold. The vote is the latest step in a long dispute over whether the property should be redeveloped for housing or kept for public use.
-- Adriana Vossari