K-12 Bond Projects: From Planning to Ribbon Cutting
When school districts launch a K-12 bond program, the real work begins long before construction crews break ground and continues long after the final ribbon is cut. HPM specializes in helping K-12 districts navigate every phase of the journey with a comprehensive, data-informed and community-driven approach to facility planning and execution.
Planning: Building the Blueprint for Success
Effective capital planning starts with a strong foundation. Successful K-12 bond programs are rooted in comprehensive facility planning—customized to reflect each district’s unique challenges, opportunities and values.
Our “Blueprint for Success” begins with a close look at the district’s infrastructure, assessing not only the physical condition of buildings but also how well they support educational goals, community expectations and long-term operational efficiency.
The Four-Legged Stool: A Balanced Planning Model
We often compare our planning philosophy to a four-legged stool: the seat represents the facilities themselves, supported by four essential pillars:
- Educational Framework: Curriculum, Programs, Delivery Models and Policy
- Demographics: Enrollment and the data that impact enrollment
- Condition: Physical Condition and Educational Adequacy
- Funding: Ability to fund and sources of funding
Each “leg” is equally important. Add the element of community and stakeholder involvement that reflects the culture and values of the district and that sets the foundation for a successful planning process.
What Sets HPM Apart in the Planning Phase
Our team leverages a wide array of tools and services to ensure districts are fully informed and prepared to maximize their K-12 bond funding:
Standards Development and Needs Assessments
We start by engaging stakeholders to develop clear, objective standards for school facilities. These guide design professionals and ensure consistency across projects. Our process is collaborative and grounded in practical constraints, such as available funding and district priorities.
Functional Assessments
We evaluate how facilities function day to day, using real usage data, space analyses and field inspections to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This ensures each space aligns with the district’s educational mission and evolving needs.
Facility Condition Assessments (FCA)
Our FCAs are actionable, defensible, and sustainable. We collect granular data from an objective perspective to translate directly into maintenance, repair, or capital project planning—avoiding redundant assessments and providing a clear plan and guidance, extending the value of our work well beyond the planning phase.
Educational Specifications & Adequacy Assessments
HPM’s Adequacy Assessments include real time and projected costs for both constructable and non-constructable educational inadequacies. This unique approach to reporting allows our clients to incorporate the Condition Assessment data alongside the Adequacy Assessment data that provides a total cost picture of facility conditions in the district. Along with accurate costing, Our Educational Adequacy Index (EAI) allows districts to compare needs across buildings, helping to prioritize investments with clarity and confidence.
Communications & Community Outreach
Our team looks forward to the opportunity to work with a local community and established district committees. We work alongside school district communications teams to create transparent, engaging and inclusive outreach strategies. From surveys and community meetings to board presentations, we help build the foundation of trust that a successful bond program requires.
Geographic and Site Analysis
Using GIS mapping and site analysis, we help districts understand how geography and land-use impact facility decisions. Our elevation analysis helps determine how the site’s topography will impact construction and design. By addressing these questions and providing clear insights, we help you make informed decisions about your project’s feasibility and planning.
From Concept to Completion: A Track Record of Results
Districts across the country have trusted HPM to lead the planning phase of their K-12 bond programs:
Fort Worth ISD, TX: Working with a 15% decline in enrollment, our recommendations included: aligning enrollment with academic programs in addition to closures and consolidations for improved utilizations, resulting in operational savings and avoiding deferred maintenance costs in excess of $77 million in five years.
Richmond County Schools, GA: Identified strategies that could reduce O&M expenses by $15 million over 10 years.
Nampa School District, ID: Developed a long-term plan to address declining enrollment and operational inefficiencies, realizing $3 million in annual savings.
Start with Planning. End with Success.
The planning phase may seem like a small slice of your K-12 bond program timeline—but it defines everything that follows. By partnering with HPM early, districts gain a trusted advisor, a data-driven strategist and a passionate advocate for student success.
