An Overview of K-12 Capital Infrastructure and Investment in Tennessee and Other States
November 2024
Author: Robert Quittmeyer
The Comptroller’s Office of Research and Education Accountability received a legislative request to conduct a review of K-12 school infrastructure in Tennessee. The legislative brief details the condition and needs of Tennessee’s K-12 school facilities, accounts for current funding of K-12 school facilities, and assesses how other states provide capital funding to school districts for school construction and renovation.
Key takeaways include:
While 57 percent of school buildings included in this review are in good or excellent condition, the cost of statewide school infrastructure needs over the next five years totals about $9.8 billion at a median cost per student of $3,840.
The bulk of capital spending on K-12 schools is paid from local revenues, including revenues from bonds and notes issued by local governments, adequate facilities taxes, and dedicated property taxes. There are also state resources to support construction, maintenance, and improvements.
There are several ways states support funding K-12 infrastructure needs, including appropriations, financing assistance, and dedicated revenues. Details can be found in the legislative brief.