Public School Capital Improvement Programs: Basic Elements and Best Practices

This review was developed by The 21st Century School Fund and the Scientex Corporation to assist the District of Columbia Public School System in identifying expectations and options for effectively, efficiently and equitably delivering school facilities that are educationally appropriate, modern, and safe. This study found that well-managed capital improvement programs consist of six basic elements: accurate information systems; comprehensive, multifaceted planning; clear decision-making structures; sufficient and stable funding; skilled project management; and effective oversight and monitoring. The study also presented three management models for capital improvement: local school system management, public agency management, and private-sector management.