More than $300 billion needed to fix school buildings nationwide, NEA says

The market for school rehabs and modernization has plenty of room for growth. The National Education Association estimates more than $300 billion is needed to modernize and repair school buildings nationwide. The Society of Civil Engineers gave American schools an overall grade of “D.” According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2009 Report Card for American Infrastructure, the group estimated the nation’s schools were in need of at least $160 billion in five-year reconstructionfunding, with only $125 billion in work likely to occur.
Sept. 12, 2012

The market for school rehabs and modernization has plenty of room for growth. The National Education Association estimates more than $300 billion is needed to modernize and repair school buildings nationwide. The Society of Civil Engineers gave American schools an overall grade of “D.” According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2009 Report Card for American Infrastructure, the group estimated the nation’s schools were in need of at least $160 billion in five-year reconstructionfunding, with only $125 billion in work likely to occur.

An area in upstate New York is typical of the need cited by these groups. According to a state report, in the Rochester area, the Pittsford Central School District says it needs $84 million for upgrades and repairs; the Gates Chili Central School District needs $146 million; and Monroe County needs $1 billion.

(http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/A2/20120909/NEWS01/309090022/Monroe-County-Rochester-school-repairs?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1)

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
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