In recent decades, many metropolitan areas in the United States have experienced a decline in the population of urban centers and rapid growth in the suburbs, with new schools being built outside of cities and existing urban schools facing closure. These new schools are increasingly larger and farther from residences; in contrast, urban school facilities are often in closer proximity to homes but are also in dire need of upgrading or modernization. This eye-opening book explores the compelling health and economic rationales for new approaches to school siting, including economic savings to school districts, transportation infrastructure needs, and improved child health. An essential examination of public policy issues associated with school siting, this compiled volume will assist policy makers and help the public understand why it is important for government and school districts to work together on school siting and capital expenditures and how these new outlooks will improve local and regional outcomes.
ContentsI. Why Where We Invest in Schools MattersIntroduction and Problem Context: School Siting and Healthy Communities / Rebecca MilesHealth Impacts of School Siting: An Analytical Framework / Rebecca MilesSchool Siting in Suburban Areas: A Case Study of Maryland and Northern Virginia / Noreen C. McDonaldII. School Sprawl in High- and Low-Growth StatesSchool Construction Investments and Smart Growth in Two High-Growth States: Implications for Social Equity / Jeffrey M. Vincent and Mary W. FilardoThe Implications of School Location Change for Healthy Communities in a Slow-Growth State: A Case Study of Michigan / Mark A. Wyckoff, Adesoji Adelaja, and Melissa A. GibsonPopulation Effects on School District Structure and Size in Michigan / Adesoji Adelaja, Melissa A. Gibson, and Yohannes HailuIII. Consequences of Location DecisionsSchool Trips: Analysis of Factors Affecting Mode Choice in Three Metropolitan Areas / Reid Ewing, Ming Zhang, and Michael J. GreenwaldPolicy Impacts on Mode Choice in School Transportation: An Analysis of Four Florida School Districts / Ruth L. Steiner, Ilir Bejleri, Allison Fischman, Russell E. Provost, Abdulnaser A. Arafat, Martin Guttenplan, and Linda B. CriderWhere to Live and How to Get to School: Connecting Residential Location Choice and School Travel Mode Choice / Yizhao Yang, Bethany Steiner, Bob Parker, Marc Schlossberg, and Sayaka FukahoriIV. School Siting and Healthy Communities in PracticeSafe Schools: Identifying Potential Threats to the Health and Safety of Schoolchildren in North Carolina / David Salvesen and Peter ZambitoEngaging the Public in Comprehensive Planning and Design for Healthy Schools / Ellen ShoshkesConclusion / Rebecca Miles, Adesoji Adelaja, and Mark A. WyckoffIndex
