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PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
SCHOOL FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION
(Updated 2/4/13)

   
OVERVIEW
   
 

Although currently under suspension by the state legislature, the program normally provides thirty percent costs share grants of state funds to school districts that demonstrate an urgent need for construction that cannot be reasonably addressed by other means. The two types of projects eligible for aid under the suspension are approved emergency projects and approved consolidation projects. Fifty percent aid for approved consolidation projects is exempt from the suspension until June 2013 .

Prior to the suspension, schools incorporating renewable energy sources, such as wood chip, geothermal, wind, or solar power were eligible for up to 75 percent state aid.

Program staff provide technical assistance to school districts planning construction projects by ensuring that both new and renovated facilities include adequate space for all required state and federal programs and services. In addition to ensuring that schools applying for construction aid follow State Board of Education rules, the program assists schools with meeting the rules of all other state agencies that govern school construction. When federal money is available for school renovations, repairs, or related uses, funds are administered by the program.
   
LINKS TO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION
   
 

Our Partners Good Work
Through the good work of our partners, Efficiency Vermont and the School Energy Management Program, schools can gain valuable information and rebates to help reduce energy consumption and costs.

Nominations for Vermont School Custodian of the Year - 2012
Nominations for this year have closed. Questions may be directed to Lyall Smith, President, Vermont School Custodians and Maintenance Assoc. (VSCMA) at (802) 316-1275.

Tips for Saving Energy PDF

Facts About GREEN Vermont Public Schools PDF
The fact sheet lists the many ways Vermont public school districts are “greening” their facilities and reducing their dependence upon fossil fuels.

Options for Financing Energy Conservation Projects PDF
With the current emphasis on cost savings in school district budgets and the ongoing interest in energy conservation, it is an appropriate time to remind districts of two potential methods for funding energy and operating systems improvements. Please review this guidance from School Finance. Contact: Cathy Hilgendorf at (802) 828-5402 or cathy.hilgendorf@state.vt.us.

New Energy Project Authorization PDF
Effective July 1, 2011 school boards will have an additional avenue for securing voter authorization to borrow for energy-saving school facility improvement projects.

Vermont School Construction Planning Guide
The purpose of this guide is to provide general guidance in planning for school construction projects and securing necessary state approvals. The contents are relevant to the construction of a new school, school addition, or alterations to an existing school that increases its program or enrollment capacity, or ensures that it remains a safe and healthy place for students, faculty and community members. The contents may only be partially applicable for school construction related to other purposes. NOTE: A significant update was made to the "Capital Outlay Financing Formula" section of the guide and it should be downloaded and replaced in your print version of the manual. Minor typographical or grammatical changes have been made to all the other sections/appendices but download and replacement is optional.

NOTE: For guidelines and standards for technical centers ONLY, use the document below:

  • Construction Planning Guide and Standards (Technical Education Centers ONLY) PDF
    This guide is designed to help school boards, administrators and governing boards through the process of planning and pursuing a technical education construction project. It is to be used in conjunction with applicable construction standards governing technical center construction and State Board of Education Rules for Capital Construction. It is not intended to be used in isolation or to supersede any other agency rules for school construction. Specific rules of state agencies that apply to school construction are beyond the scope of this document.

High Performance School Design and Construction Standards PDF
School districts interested in “green” construction and operating standards for school buildings may find useful information in this January 15, 2007 report (as charged by Act 147, sec. 47 of 2006).

Vermont State Board of Education Manual of Rules and Practices (Rule Series 6000: School Buildings and Sites)
NOTE: This rule series has been updated to include the new rules required by 23 V.S.A. §1282(f) for School Bus Idling. The bus idling rules are 6001-6005 and are effective as of May 1, 2008.
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
   
 

FEMA Flyers for School Districts

Envision School Environmental Health Program OSL
Provides information about materials and practices commonly used in school operation and construction that may compromise indoor air quality or negatively impact human health as well as providing schools with resources, workshop referrals and technical assistance.

  • Grant Competition PDF
    Schools may apply to receive a grant to rev-up efforts to improve the indoor air quality and the environmental health within their school. Through the Health Dept.’s Envision Program, grants of up to $5,000 are available to defray costs of developing/implementing an environmental health management plan/project. The goal of a school environmental health management plan is to reduce hazardous exposures and to improve or maintain good indoor air quality. Reducing asthma and allergy triggers are an area of the plan that schools should focus on.

School Safety Review Checklist PDF
This checklist is intended to be used (in conjunction with the Vermont School Crisis Guide) by school personnel to annually review the safety of school facilities and school safety procedures. This document also may be tailored to the varying needs and size of Vermont schools.

School Facilities/Construction Technical Assistance, Information & Resources PDF
As a service to its users, the agency offers links from its Web site to resources and Web sites developed by other organizations. These links are provided as a resource only. Unless specifically stated, the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement or support of information, products or services offered by an organization other than the Vermont Agency of Education. Click the link above for information on safety, energy efficiency, health and custodial issues, grant opportunities and more.

Cleaning For Health: How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help Slow the Spread of Flu and Other Illnesses OSL
Cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach to preventing infectious diseases in schools. Use the link above to view tips from the Flu.gov Web site on how to slow the spread of flu specifically through cleaning and disinfecting.
   
CONTACT INFORMATION
   
 

Cathy Hilgendorf, School Construction Coordinator
(802) 828-5402 (P)
(802) 828-1631 (F)
cathy.hilgendorf@state.vt.us

Cassandra Ryan, Finance Analyst
(802) 828-3144 (P)
(802) 828-1631 (F)
cassandra.ryan@state.vt.us
   
     
   
 
   
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