Modernization Program

The Modernization Program provides state funds on a 60/40 state and local sharing basis for improvements that educationally enhance existing school facilities. Projects eligible under this program include modifications such as air conditioning, plumbing, lighting, and electrical systems.

Applications are submitted to the Office of Public School Construction in two stages: an application for eligibility and an application for funding. The School Facility Program Handbook contains detailed information on Modernization eligibility and funding in Sections 4 and 9.

See application submittal requirements and all Modernization Program forms.

Important Update:
The Office of Administrative Law has approved emergency regulations pertaining to accepting School Facility Program applications once bond authority has been exhausted. As of November 1, 2012, applications submitted to the OPSC will no longer be fully processed or presented to the State Allocation Board for approval.

Additional information on the new process and procedures is available here:

Eligibility

Eligibility for modernization funding is established separately for each school site. Factors affecting eligibility for modernization funding include the age of the facilities on the site and the total pupil enrollment. Eligibility translates directly into pupil grants. A district with modernization eligibility may request funding.

Modernization Remaining Baseline Eligibility Report (PDF)

Funding

The pupil grant is a composite dollar figure that provides the State’s share for project costs including design, construction, educational technology, testing, inspection, furniture and equipment. The grant amount is based on the grade level of the project. The pupil grant amount is set in law and is adjusted annually by the State Allocation Board based on current construction costs.

Supplemental grants augment pupil grant funding. For example, excessive cost hardship grants are available for the costs associated with accessibility and fire code upgrades.

The Architect’s Submittal Guidelines (PDF) and the Presentation on Additional Grant for Site Development Costs (PowerPoint) contain detailed information for school districts and architects to prepare project plans, specifications, and cost estimates for project applications.

Effective July 27th, 2011, all Modernization projects are subject to the new procedures for School Facility Program funding.

Please note: Modernization projects may be subject to Prevailing Wage Monitoring/Labor Compliance Program requirements.

Fiscal Reporting

The Substantial Progress and Expenditure Audit Guide (PDF) contains detailed information on audit requirements, including substantial progress and expenditure reporting.

The Financial Hardship Program provides funding to districts that cannot provide all or a part of the required local matching share for a Modernization project.

Contacts

For assistance, please contact your OPSC Project Manager.