Some school districts have chosen to reconfigure present facilities, sometimes sacrificing other programs. Schools have remodeled libraries, art classrooms, science labs, gyms, computer labs, music rooms, and faculty lounges into classrooms. Some districts have chosen to reopen closed schools and enter into joint-use agreements with local public entities. The goal is to assign a qualified teacher to a smaller group of students for at least part of a day, focusing on high-priority topics such as reading and math. Starting in school year 200-2001, districts can use 25 percent of federal CSR funds for professional development, up from 15 percent the first year.
Waivers are available for other uses of funds also.
Small districts that do not receive sufficient funds to hire a teacher may use all their funds to support professional development. To gain some of the small-class benefit, smaller schools could implement a parallel block schedule. Districts can target their federal CSR funds to the neediest schools. Use some funding for training inexperienced teachers. Assess facility needs and plan for reconfiguration of existing physical plants or for new construction.