Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the components of successful public-private partnerships undertaken to build new schools in selected California school districts. Methodology. This was a descriptive study. Snowball sampling was used to identify the population of public-private partnerships in California. Eleven public and private sector partners comprised the sample. All partners were interviewed and completed questionnaires. The interview data were analyzed through qualitative analysis. A six-point Likert scale was used to generate descriptive statistics from the questionnaire. Findings. The five partnerships used an agreed-upon vision to guide the completion of the new partnership school. The completed partnership school helped to promote a sense of community among the participants, be they partners, parents, or community groups. Strong collaboration was exhibited among the partners in this study. All five partnerships used shared leadership. In some partnerships, management of the actual construction of the school was turned over to outside companies or consultants. An important factor to the completion of the partnership school was continuous, positive communication among the partners. The quality of the new school was more important that whether the project remained within the allocated budget or the projected time line. Conclusions. Both the public and private partners agreed the quality of the completed partnership school was the primary criterion for a successful partnership. To complete the partnership school within the projected time line and within or under the projected budget was a secondary consideration. Successful partnerships are relationship-based. Members of the partnership build trust, collaborate, engage in continuous communication, and share leadership. Shared leadership between the partners extended beyond the district and corporate offices of the partners to include others such as consultants, a construction management company, or members of the community. Public-private partnerships can be used as ad hoc temporary systems to guide and implement the partnership's goal-the completion of the new school. Implications for action. Establish a formal, centralized network that can bring together school districts and private sector partners interested in forming a partnership to build a new school. Develop a how-to guide for school districts interested in partnerships. Foster relationships with local developers and share details and processes of a successful partnership.