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PROGRAMS
& SERVICES:
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
(Updated 5/26/09)
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OVERVIEW (Updated 5/26/09)
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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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Did You Know . . .?
As of spring 2009, Vermont has 41 school facilities heated primarily with wood. Some educational facilities heated with wood include multiple schools (such as Lamoille Union Middle and High Schools and Green Mountain Technology and Career Center), placing them among the state’s largest buildings. Approximately 30% of Vermont public school students are served with wood heat!
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LINKS
TO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION (Updated 5/26/09)
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Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) (Added 5/26/09)
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(Added 5/26/09)
View information about a 2009–2010 project to bring solar power to Vermont schools.
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:
- Guide to Financing Energy Smart Schools (PDF)
This U.S. Department on Energy publication provides schools with information on High Performance Schools. This guide addresses common barriers associated with new construction, major renovations, and retrofit projects in high-performance schools. It summarizes existing methods of financing and looks ahead to innovative, replicable approaches. This guide supports making a business case for high-performance design backed by economic analysis that looks at the costs and benefits of new construction and retrofits over the project’s lifetime.
- USDA Rural Development (RD) Funding For Essential Community Facilities
View eligibility requirements, deadlines, special grant funding and upcoming workshops.
- Envision School Environmental Health Program
The Envision School Environmental Health Program results from Act 125, in which the legislature charged the Department of Education, Department of Buildings & General Services and Department of Health to develop an environmental health program to improve schools' environments. This site 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.
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CONTACT
INFORMATION
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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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