Securing Funds for Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) is faced with the exciting challenge of upgrading, renovating, and remodeling Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School. This includes enhancing the existing classrooms, offices, auxiliary spaces, Performing Arts Center, and other existing areas on campus as well as adding a football stadium, tennis courts, and a multipurpose arena. However, securing and maintaining funds for such an extensive project can be daunting. Here are some strategies that could be considered.

1. Public Funding

Government grants and bonds are often the first port of call. LRSD should explore all available federal, state, and local grants related to education, arts, sports, and infrastructure development.

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) currently utilizes several public funding sources:

1. Title I Funding: LRSD receives financial assistance through Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). This funding is provided by the Arkansas Department of Education to local educational agencies and public schools.

2. State and Local Funds: The funding for Arkansas schools, including LRSD, comes from a combination of state funds and local property tax revenue.

3. Other State and Federal Funds: Schools receive other state and federal funds to supplement foundation funding.

4. Building Fund and Bond Refinances: The district’s revenue sources also include funds from the district’s building fund and from bond refinances.

5. State Partnership Funding: LRSD also receives state partnership funding.

2. Private Funding

2.1 Corporate Sponsorships

Corporations often sponsor school projects as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. LRSD could approach local businesses, alumni-owned businesses, and even large corporations for sponsorships.

2.2 Philanthropic Grants

Many foundations and philanthropists are committed to supporting education. LRSD could research and apply for grants from these organizations.

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) currently utilizes several private funding sources:

1. Corporate Sponsorships: LRSD has partnerships with various companies for different programs.

2. Philanthropic Grants: LRSD receives support from local nonprofits as well as national organizations. These entities often contribute funding for specific community school programming.

3. Private Donations: In addition to corporate sponsorships and philanthropic grants, LRSD also receives support through private donations.

3. Community Fundraising

3.1 Crowdfunding

Platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter can be used to raise funds from the broader community. A well-crafted campaign highlighting the benefits of the upgrades could attract donations.

3.2 Local Fundraisers

Events such as charity runs, bake sales, concerts, or auctions can be organized. These not only raise funds but also help to build a sense of community around the project.

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) currently utilizes several community fundraising sources:

1. Crowdfunding: While specific crowdfunding campaigns are not mentioned, the LRSD does use a combination of district and federal funds, private donations, and contributions from local nonprofits and national organizations for their community school programming.

2. Local Fundraisers: LRSD accumulates funds from various school-approved fundraising activities, receipt of student dues or fees, vending receipts, commissions, and donations.

3. Donations: The Little Rock Public Education Foundation, an Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation and a federal 501 © (3) tax-exempt organization, has raised over $2.5 million to support teachers and improve student achievement in the LRSD.

4. Partnerships

LRSD could consider partnering with local colleges or universities. Shared use agreements could allow these institutions to use the new facilities in return for funding support.

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) currently utilizes several partnership sources:

1. Home-School-Community Connections: LRSD has a program called “Partnering for Excellence: Home-School-Community Connections” which offers free materials and supplies to assist families with student-focused activities to increase student achievement.

2. Johns Hopkins University National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS): LRSD has adopted the Johns Hopkins University NNPS School, Family, and Community Partnerships as a Family Model. Schools utilize research-based approaches to organize and sustain excellent programs of family and community involvement that will increase student success.

3. City of Little Rock: The LRSD and the City of Little Rock have collaborated to support community school projects.

4. Local Organizations: Several local organizations have joined to support families and communities in the pilot year of the community school project.

5. Contributing Organizations: Conversations with Barth, Smith, and others affiliated with the four schools are peppered with references to the contributing organizations: Arkansas Children’s Hospital, ARcare Health, Forward Arkansas, National Education Association Foundation, Windgate Foundation, Blue and You, Arkansas Food Bank, National League of Cities, and many more.

5. Long-term Planning

To maintain the facilities once they’re built, LRSD should plan for ongoing costs in its annual budget. This could be funded through a combination of usage fees, continued fundraising, and careful financial management.

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) currently utilizes several long-term planning sources:

1. Reserve Fund Balance: Thanks to a large reserve fund balance, the district can absorb the loss in revenue for now.

2. Budget Management: Superintendent Jermall Wright said he is confident the district will not go into fiscal distress. The district’s chief financial officer is keeping a very close eye on expenditures.

3. Energy Conservation Measure: The LRSD board approved an energy conservation measure which includes transitioning to solar energy. This measure is expected to save the district money.

4. Three-Tiered Networks: The LRSD board approved Superintendent Jermall Wright’s plan to redesign the Little Rock School District into three-tiered networks that will allow the district to more effectively and efficiently meet the needs of all students in the district.

Cost-Saving Measures to Consider

Here are some cost-saving measures that the Little Rock School District (LRSD) can consider that do not involve reducing the number of schools or classrooms:

1. Managing Facilities and Streamlining Resources: Reducing expenses on facilities and consumable resources helps with the overall budget and also has a positive effect on the environment. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that schools can save between 25 and 50 percent on energy costs by turning off unused lights and equipment more consistently, switching to LED light bulbs, reducing thermostats outside of school hours, or closing off unused areas.

2. Adopting Paperless Workflows and Introducing E-Signature Capabilities: Becoming a paperless school can save a lot of time and money and reduce waste. Moving from paper to digital processes reduces costs by up to $6 per document and simplifies and streamlines workflow processing, especially in remote operating environments.

3. Strategic and Deliberative Approach to School Budgeting: This includes setting goals, analyzing spending patterns, building consensus on an effective approach, choosing the right budget model, and tracking costs.

4. Energy Conservation Measures: Transitioning to solar energy or other renewable sources can lead to significant savings in the long run.

5. Shared Services: Sharing services with other districts, such as transportation, food services, or administrative functions, can lead to cost savings.

6. Maximizing Use of Existing Space: Rather than building new facilities, consider ways to maximize the use of existing space. This could include scheduling changes or multi-purpose use of rooms.

Remember, the key to cost reduction in schools is finding areas where money can be saved without affecting the education students receive.

Conclusion

It is important to note that the specifics of these funding sources can change over time due to changes in laws, rules, and procedures. Therefore, it is crucial for LRSD to stay updated on the latest funding opportunities and regulations.

Securing funds for a project of this magnitude requires a multi-faceted approach, combining public and private funding, community support, and strategic partnerships. With careful planning and execution, LRSD can ensure the successful upgrade and long-term sustainability of Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School’s facilities.