School Construction Toolkit

Resources to help small school district administrators navigate facilities financing, local and state funding options, contracting support, and technical assistance, with guidance from foundational planning through roadmaps for additional resources.

The School Construction Toolkit provides school district administrators with essential guidance to plan, fund, procure, and manage school facility projects. The resources help districts navigate complex processes related to state and local funding, debt financing, contracting requirements, and project delivery, enabling informed decisions that support safe, functional, and effective learning environments for students.

Together, the following resources offer a practical roadmap for accessing funding, maintaining compliance, streamlining procurement, and managing construction and maintenance projects responsibly. As additional resources are developed, this toolkit will continue to serve as a comprehensive support system for district leaders working to address facility needs and invest strategically in student success.

Debt Financing for California School Districts
Provides California school districts with an overview of local funding options, including bond requirements, allowable uses, bonding capacity, the school bond process, and Certificates of Participation.

Bidding 101
Outlines bid thresholds, statutory requirements, and procurement guidance for school districts. Covers construction, non-construction, professional services, cooperative purchasing, and delivery methods, while emphasizing review of laws and consultation with legal counsel.

California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act
Provides an overview of the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) program and process that school districts can use to streamline procurement procedures and higher bid thresholds. Districts must formally elect participation and follow applicable laws, requirements, and board policies.

School Facility Program
Provides an overview of the School Facility Program (SFP), which offers state matching funds through pupil grants and supplemental funding for eligible costs. Covers project requirements, funding and approval processes, and the agencies involved.

Questions: School Facilities & Transportation Services Division | sftsd@cde.ca.gov | 916-322-2470

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, October 06, 2026

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The Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans (updated 10-Nov-2026)
The Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans (LRFMP) was revised in 2026, with updated guidance on master planning for local educational agencies and Proposition 2 requirements for school districts applying for School Facility Program Funding.
Key Components of a Facilities Master Plan (added 10-Nov-2026)
The elements of a typical facilities master plan (FMP) and guidance on what to include, how to organize the information, and why it matters, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
Conclusion (added 10-Nov-2026)
A summary on master plans as living documents that reflect thoughtful educational goals and future planning, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
Education Programs with Specialized Facility Needs (added 10-Nov-2026)
The importance of including specialized facilities in facilities master plans to meet the needs of educational programs and students with disabilities, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
Additional Considerations and Planning the Future (added 10-Nov-2026)
Integrating sustainability, safety, accessibility, and climate resiliency into every stage of facilities master planning, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.

Appendix A (added 10-Nov-2026)
A table of Facilities Master Plan Elements vs. Proposition 2 Requirements, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
Appendix B (added 10-Nov-2026)
A summary of additional required elements per Proposition 2, from the Guide to Long- Range Facilities Master Plans.
Facilities Master Planning Resources (added 10-Nov-2026)
Additional resources, facilities master plan (FMP) exemplars, and links to the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) Guidelines for the Five-Year School Facilities Master Plan, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
Introduction (added 10-Nov-2026)
An introduction of the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.
Facilities Master Planning Process (added 10-Nov-2026)
Best practices for launching a facilities master planning (FMP) effort, engaging stakeholders, and long-term planning, from the Guide to Long-Range Facilities Master Plans.