Holding the winning contract for builds at schools makes summer a busy season for many construction businesses. With so many stakeholders eyeing the start of the new school year, the pressure’s on to upgrade antiquated public schools across the country.
Next Gen: Modernization
Since most public schools were constructed in the 1950s, they are now way past their prime, in need of major renovation or even completely new builds. COVID’s closures and health concerns provided both opportunity and impetus for districts across the country to commit to ambitious builds, aiming for learning facilities that address modern expectations. New York City builders, for example, have a very busy season ahead, as the largest public school system in the nation plans to add seven new schools in time for the 2025-2026 academic year:
The expansion aims to address classroom overcrowding, improve access to specialized learning programs and provide new career pathways for students. The new schools will bring nearly 4,000 additional classroom seats to neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island. City officials say the investment reflects a growing commitment to educational equity and innovation in response to both student needs and long-standing calls for improved infrastructure in high-demand districts.
Marty Burger, CEO for American Constructors, observes that in the nationwide push for healthy k-12 schools common goals include: “positive and uplifting,” “safe and secure,” and “clean and comfortable.” Industry experts at Bryan Construction confirm that “the demand for innovative and efficient K-12 construction projects projects is at an all-time high,” observing: “Building new schools in 2025 requires careful planning to ensure that educational facilities meet modern learning needs while remaining safe, sustainable, and cost-effective. Whether it’s a new elementary school, a kindergarten construction project, or a high school renovation, general contractors must navigate evolving building codes, sustainability goals, and technological advancements.” For contractors looking to win bids for school builds, Bryan Construction suggests being prepared to address these criteria:
- Safety and security
- Energy efficiency
- Learning space flexibility
- Modern classroom design
- Budgeting and cost management
- Technology integration for 21st century learning
- Compliance with shifting building codes and regulations
- Collaboration with community stakeholders
- Portable and modular construction
Not surprisingly, HVAC work in schools has also gained a whole new level of importance, as elementary, middle and high schools explore ways to allow more outdoor air in, as well as to offer more outdoor learning spaces. Bradley Sherburne, with CetraRuddy Architecture in New York observes that healthy schools rest on three legs: “wellness, as it relates to a building’s programming and circulation; air quality, ventilation, and lighting; and sustainability that focuses on the building’s envelope and energy sourcing.” At DLR Group, Todd Ferking reminds us that “healthy” is now “a more encompassing idea,” and points to research showing that cognition levels can even be tied to the amount of outdoor air coming into a room.
Go Time?
In addition to the promise of plenty of work for builders across the country, attention to the state of schools brings other good news for the construction field, given the current labor shortage: making space for more vocational training is part of the plan for many high schools, as districts work to better incorporate industry certifications and apprenticeships into education.
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