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Although currently under suspension by the state legislature, the program normally provides
30 percent cost share grants of state funds to school districts that demonstrate
an urgent need for construction that cannot be reasonably addressed by other means.
Additionally, schools incorporating renewable energy sources, such as wood chip, geothermal,
wind, or solar power, may be eligible for up to 75 percent state aid for costs exceeding
those of fossil fuel energy sources.
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. |
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Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB)
View information about interest-free financing opportunities for major school renovation and modernization projects that were authorized for 2009 and 2010 under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Vermont Solar in Schools Initiative
View information about a 2009–2010 project to bring solar power to Vermont schools.
Vermont Solar in Schools Initiative: Request for Proposals
In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Vermont Department of Education offers Vermont public schools the opportunity to compete to become one of up to ten schools hosting solar power educational programs. It is the department's intention to ultimately fund the installation of solar photovoltaic systems at school sites, and that these small-scale projects will be at the center of some exciting K-12 cross-discipline curriculum modules, teacher professional development and workforce development activities. By offsetting a modest amount of fossil-fuel-generated electricity, this project will add a green component to school buildings. More importantly, it will train people in solar power technology, strengthen science curricula in alignment with grade expectations and provide an opportunity for project-based, hands-on learning. Ideally, the funds will be granted to teams of elementary and middle schools, high schools and career and technical centers collaborating to bring a continuum of educational opportunities to their communities. Due Date: Friday, December 4, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. 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)
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
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: (Updated 11/19/09)
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Vermont Department of Public Service: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) - Competitive Local Government Sub-Grant Requests for Proposals (Updated 11/19/09)
Through the Vermont Department of Public Service, the Clean Energy Development Fund is seeking proposals from public school districts for ARRA-funded energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy projects. An initial application is due December 4, followed by a comprehensive proposal due in February. A minimum 10% match from applicants is required, and funds cannot be used by projects that have already purchased equipment or started construction. These are the grants you have all been looking for. Proposals and questions should be addressed to Kelly Launder, Vermont Department of Public Service, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620; (802) 828-4039; or kelly.launder@state.vt.us. NOTE: The proposal and associated forms are now available on the Vermont Department of Public Service Web site. Use the link above, then scroll down to view "Funding Opportunities". (Added 11/19/09)
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School Safety Review Checklist
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. NOTE: Use the link above to view or download the checklist in either PDF, Word or .RTF formats.
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School Facilities/Construction Technical Assistance, Information & Resources
As a service to its users, the department 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 Department of Education. Click here for information on safety, energy efficiency, health and custodial issues, grant opportunities and more.
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