School Capital Funding: Tennessee in a National Context.

For full text: http://www.comptroller.state.tn.us/orea/reports/capitaloutlay.pdf.

N

48

Capital Outlay (for Fixed Assets); Comparative Analysis; Educational Finance; Financial Support; School Buildings; State Aid

This report evaluates the need for K-12 capital spending in Tennessee and the methods the state uses to meet this need within a national context. The report examines the benefits of capital outlay spending and its impact on student performance. It identifies the major drivers of capital expenses. The report then investigates the roles the federal government and other state governments play in funding these expenses and how Tennessee compares to other states. Finally, it identifies strengths and weaknesses of Tennessee's existing funding programs and suggests possible improvements. The report's conclusions include: (1) based on the condition of existing facilities, Tennessee's school construction needs are significant but less than those found in other states; (2) based on enrollment growth, Tennessee's school construction needs are comparable to those of the rest of the nation and will decline in the coming decade; (3) legal challenges have increased state capital funding in Tennessee, but not to the extent found in other states; and (4) total K-12 capital spending in Tennessee increased more rapidly over the past decade than did spending nationwide, but probably remains below the national average. (EV)

2003

ED475080