Building for the Future: Tackling the Challenges Facing School Districts
Date Posted: January 30, 2025
Posted In: Discussion,
From S. M. Wilson & Co.: School districts face unique challenges when constructing and maintaining effective learning environments, from outdated buildings to the rise of technology in the classroom. The A/E/C industry has had a front-row seat to witnessing firsthand the evolutionary changes in educational infrastructure that school districts must address.
“For 100+ years, S. M. Wilson has worked to provide our clients with amazing experiences. Sometimes, our teams face challenges out of their control, forcing us to think outside the box. We understand this is no different from our school district clients, who must plan strategically and creatively regularly to deal with the continuous challenges facing them from aging infrastructure to lack of funding to finance improvements,” said Mark Cochran, Chief Operating Officer, S. M. Wilson & Co.
“We also understand the importance of being a true partner to our clients by bringing expertise and knowledge to the table to help navigate those challenges with creative solutions and ideas.”
Of the challenges facing school districts, these are often the ones plaguing district officials, leaving them with the same question at the end of the day – where will the money come from?
Aging Infrastructure
One of the most pressing issues is the state of aging schools. Many districts are dealing with outdated buildings, requiring extensive renovations or complete replacements. These older structures often present challenges such as:
- Accessibility: To meet modern accessibility standards in older buildings, they must be retrofitted, often cost-prohibited. School districts must ensure all students have equal access to facilities regardless of physical limitations.
- Safety: Outdated electrical systems, asbestos, and lead paint are hazards in aging schools.
- Efficiency: Older buildings are often energy inefficient, leading to higher operating costs.
In Illinois, school districts conduct 10-Year Health Life Safety Plans for each building within their district to ensure its continued compliance by the state. The survey reports list any necessary items to be completed at each building to bring them full or continual compliance.