S.R. NO. 59 Summary

• Urges the Department of Education to utilize obligated capital improvement project funds and prioritize expenditures based on greatest need for school facility repairs and upgrades.

• Directs DOE to fill key positions in planning and design within capital improvement project management to address facility project delays.

• Calls for immediate expenditure of funding for critical needs including plumbing and roof repairs at schools, particularly at approximately 20 percent of schools over 100 years old.

• Encourages DOE to improve processes and efficiency regarding the backlog and timeline of planning, design, and construction of capital improvement projects, with approximately 180 projects currently under construction.

• Requests DOE develop a master strategic plan and road map for funding critical projects to address over $2 billion in unspent capital improvement funds, including $880 million in obligated funds and $1.2 billion at risk of lapsing by 2026.