Facilities

The second aspect of the use of the funds is improving school facilities. Out of all three solutions this is probably the most broad and open to interpretation as improving the facilities could involve many different things, from renovating classrooms to constructing new buildings. However, the goal of improving facilities is to improve student experiences and possibly student achievement. According to a 2010 study, research has connected the quality of school facilities to student outcomes including achievement and attitude, and "[e]vidence [suggests] that the aesthetic aspects of the physical learning environment play a prominent role in creating and sustaining a productive learning climate within schools" (Uline, et al). The types of facility designs that exert this positive influence include flexible classroom arrangements, areas for movement, outdoor spaces, and large group meeting rooms. SJS should consider these improvements to facilities as they can positively affect students and uplift the educational experience. The first facility improvements should address parent concerns and recommendations that were previously shot down because of the ostensible lack of funds, such as installing the aforementioned awning to shield students from the sun while they are eating lunch or gathering for assembly. Later improvements should continue to focus on benefiting students and positively affecting their educational outcomes by enhancing their physical environment.