A Study of the Factors and Procedures Used for School Site Selection, Site Development, and Site Utilization

This study attempted to determine the factors and procedures used by school administrators and school boards in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, when school sites were selected and developed; as well as to find the extent to which these sites were being utilized by school and community groups. Specifically, the study strove to determine which of 25 preestablished site selection factors an administrator uses when considering a site for purchase; to what extent (1) educational specifications concerning future site utilization are written and implemented, (2) local citizens participate as resource people in site selection and development, (3) plans are written for site development, and (4) various sources of funds for initial site development are used; and to what extent sites are used for the daily instructional program, school recreational and athletic programs, and by the community. Two questionnaires were devised to gather information for the research. Sites included in the study were identified by a thorough search of all nontaxable property records located in each county court house. Site selection factors found to be most important include location, accessibility, availability, size, educational adaptability, utilities available, cost of land, site development, public services, and topography. (Author/DN)