Date of Award

Spring 5-17-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Patrick Ainsworth

Second Advisor

Dr. General Davie

Third Advisor

Dr. Todd Cutler

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop policy alternatives by the years 2019 to 2025 that would assist state policy makers, legislators, and advocates in adding definition to California school facility development and funding.

Methodology: This study involved descriptive statistics using a Delphi study method. Within the theoretical framework established for policy analysis, this Delphi study was inclusive of the knowledge and expertise of an expert panel that was nominated through peers. The Delphi panel consisted of 24 experts knowledgeable about statewide school facilities policy in California. The Delphi study was comprised of 3 rounds of electronic questionnaires utilizing an online survey tool called SurveyMonkey.

Findings: Ten policy statements were considered to be of high priority in this study; 4 policy statements received full consensus and 6 policy alternatives received a Rating of substantial consensus on combined ratings of importance and likelihood of implementation.

Conclusions: Based on the research findings, 8 conclusions were drawn including (a) requiring a deferred maintenance and a replacement facility fund was clearly the highest priority as a result of this study when the requirement was tied to being a prerequisite for state matching funds, (b) policy alternatives that suggested revisions to existing legislation that would introduce the idea of the distribution of state funds in an equitable manner and in accordance with a district’s financial wherewithal, and (c) legislation that both funds and requires districts seeking state funds for new construction or modernization to have a comprehensive, equitable, and long-range facilities master plan.

Recommendations: Further research is recommended in the following areas: (a) replicate this study with the distinction of enhancing student learning as the highest priority in legislation and optimizing financing as a secondary priority, (b) replicate this study using a different expert panel and utilizing the same or different selection criteria, and (c) conduct a Delphi study or a qualitative study that compares and contrasts the responses of the expert panelists to help define the differences and similarities and the assortment of policy alternatives relating to policy alternatives to improve K-12 facilities and their funding.

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