In 2005

• $12.8 billion (59.2%) was spent on building brand-new schools.

• Just under $5 billion went toward adding space, and nearly $3.9 billion was used for renovating existing structures.

• Altogether, roughly $8.8 billion was spent on expanding and improving facilities already in use.

Projections for 2006

• $20.2 billion is expected to be spent on completed projects, with the breakdown as follows:
  • $12.5 billion for new buildings
  • $4.5 billion going toward additions
  • $3.3 billion for renovation
    
• Construction starts may be slightly lower this year—at $19.4 billion—although this figure could change as districts historically seem to underreport or underestimate new or incomplete projects.

The Regional View

• Eight of 12 U.S. regions* spent in excess of $1 billion on school construction, while districts in two regions put forth more than $3 billion in 2005.

• Region 11 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada) spent the most on construction—$3.5 billion or 16.2% of the national total. With two of the fastest growing states—Arizona and Nevada—this region allocated more than three of four construction dollars on new buildings.

• The next big spenders were those in Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) with over $3 billion. With the population remaining constant in this region, it’s not surprising that nearly 60% was spent on additions and renovations, rather than on new buildings.

• Region 9 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) was third in line with $2.9 billion spent on school construction with the lion’s share (nearly $2 billion or 68%) going toward new buildings.

• At $2 billion, Region 5 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi) spent 64% on new buildings. While only 9% was used on renovations, this figure could increase dramatically as states here, especially Florida and Mississippi, struggle to rebuild as a result of last year’s hurricanes.

2005 Completed Construction by School Type

*The publication divides the country into 12 construction regions, East to West.

There is a wealth of information in this report. We encourage you to read the entire report.