You asked several questions about school construction grants for small districts. The questions and answers appear individually below. For your further information, we enclose a copy of a 2002 report on school construction grants that explains their calculation in more detail (2002-R-0843).

What is the current reimbursement rate for new school construction and renovations of existing schools for districts with fewer than 1,000 students?

The state reimburses school districts for from 20% to 80% of their eligible costs for building new schools or renovating existing ones. Reimbursement rates depend on a school district’s relative wealth, not on its number of students. Interdistrict magnet schools and regional vocational agriculture and special education facilities receive a 95% state reimbursement. Some other projects, such as those involving regional districts, or school readiness or all-day kindergarten space, are eligible for a 5% or 10% reimbursement bonus.

For very small school districts (i. e. , the town of Union with 75 students), are there any small school waivers or incentives? Are there additional funding sources for new construction and renovations other than school construction funds?

The state has no special waivers or incentives for construction in very small school districts. There are no state grant programs for school construction other than the reimbursement grants available through the State Department of Education (SDE). Union’s school construction reimbursement rate for 2005 is 47. 86%, according to the department.

Are energy conservation funds available from the state for new school construction?

Energy conservation projects in schools are eligible for state reimbursement under the regular school construction grant formula. There are no other state funds available for this purpose.

Have any small schools in Connecticut received additional help due to the burdens of having a small student population and how that relates to per-pupil square footage and reimbursement?

No. SDE regulations do not allow for any waivers of square footage requirements or other requirements based on a district’s small size. Certain types of projects are exempt from SDE’s standard space specifications, particularly if the district is converting an existing building into a school. The General Assembly has also passed legislation waiving standard space requirements, but only on a case-by-case basis for particular school construction projects.

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