According to Construction Outlook 2007, a publication of McGraw Hill, education and school building construction totaled 273 million square feet in 2001.  In 2004 it totaled 209 million or 23 percent less. 

The Northeast and Great Lakes had heavier losses, with an average decline in new constuction of over 35 percent.  For every 3 square feet built at the start of the decade, they were building two. In Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota and New York, there were declines of more than 50 percent.  But this decline happened in al all regions in the country, with the South Atlantic states having a 13 percent drop and the West having a 10 percent drop in the rate of new construction. 

It is possible that this was entirely a result of the state fiscal crisis that lasted from 2001 to 2005.  But we’re only seeing a few cases, notably the District of Columbia and California, where the pace has noticeably stepped up. In many places more needs to be done. We believe that means both expanding budgets for school construction and building and modifying facilities in a way that is conducive to learning and to students and staff’s well being.