BUILDING FOR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY - Kennedy Bibliothek

INTRODUCTION
CONTENT OF STUDY
1. The United States case studies present various features which distinguish
them from the case studies done in other countries and which
justify their specific treatment.
The great diversity of projects and practices found reflects the
decentralised decision-making structure and autonomy of local school
boards in respect to education. Within a general framework of
common institutional arrangements various states respond to different
situations with different measures and different legislation.
This applies in particular to social and educational policies. , Local
authorities have a tendency to favour specific solutions which seem
to suit their particular situation.
School hoards which appoint the superintendent of schools who in
turn is responsible for the day to day decision-making are usually
elected separately from other municipal offices. Education is paid
for directly by the user through property taxes instead of being
included in the common taxes levied by the state or federal government.
That means people are continually aware of how much education
costs. Bond issues to finance new construction are usually preceded
by informative campaigns to convince voters about the necessity of
a project. -
The co-ordination of school and community facilities has a long
standing tradition in the United States. Schools have always been
a focus of community life - from early frontier settlements up to
the present time. The direct link to the citizen in terms of educational
decision-making and financing makes schools fare more responsive
to educational, social and economic changes than is the case
in Europe. This in some cases, proves to be advantageous, in others
rather difficult - mainly where continuous policies are required.
25