The forecast for education construction shows growth of 3% in 2015. One of the biggest hurdles to new construction continues to be state and local budgets. After taking large cuts during the recession, it has been a difficult battle to get back to previous levels of spending. Some funding is expected to return as states improve income from tax receipts; however, the various financing challenges will not easily go away, even as demand rises.
Renovation and additions to current school buildings will continue to grow in comparison to new school projects. There will be greater attention to reducing energy use and employing green building technologies. New school designs will be more flexible for changing classrooms and greater use of natural light. In addition, a larger focus on safe schools will continue as the threat for shootings on campus continues to rise. Another growing trend is the move to more online classes and other means of education differing from traditional schooling.
