Sharing spaces: Joint use service delivery in New York state school districts

Joint use sharing of facilities and programs between schools and communities is receiving increased attention. Joint use may enhance fiscal efficiency, improve service quality, and build healthy communities. Using a 2013 state-wide survey of school districts in New York, we conduct multivariate analyses to assess determinants of joint use service sharing. We differentiate between administrative services (payroll, purchasing) and community services (childcare, recreation, shared facilities). Service sharing is higher when sharing agreements are more formal, management factors are considered, and in school districts with less poverty, smaller enrollment, and those in rural areas and in small cities. Sharing rates are greater for administrative services than community services, and this may be due to regional service agencies which facilitate sharing in educational and administrative services, but not in community services. We recommend an administrative mechanism to promote more community service sharing be implemented.