Abstract
Problem and purpose. Under the pressure of declining state resources, California school districts in need of funds for construction of new classrooms or modernization of older schools increasingly sought to negotiate agreements with local redevelopment agencies. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that contribute to the potential success of negotiations between school districts and community redevelopment agencies. Methodology. A descriptive study examined forty-two negotiations conducted on behalf of school districts by attorneys and nonlegal consultants. Using a semistructured interview instrument, they responded to eighteen specific variables and three open-ended questions. Findings and conclusions. Success in negotiations was associated with redevelopment projects involving heavy residential land uses, projects attempting to remedy questionable blight, and project areas formed for the purpose of raising the tax increment capacity. The human dimension, which includes good personal relations between superintendents and city managers, was important to success. Success was not significantly related to size, location or rate of growth of the city. Prior affiliation of council members as school board members or employees did not predict successful outcomes. Although necessary for legal purposes, data gathering about the impacts of the redevelopment project or school district enrollment, capital outlay needs, or financial detriment did not affect the results. Success was not dependent on the choice of an attorney or nonlegal consultant as the school district's negotiator, but most school negotiators used win/win strategies. Recommendations. School districts may improve their likelihood of success if they foster good relationships with city staff, give a timely response to all legal notices related to the redevelopment project, and employ a negotiator early in the process who has experience, knows the community, and uses win/win strategies. School districts should avoid negotiators who are adversarial and likely to file a lawsuit against the agency, and school board members should not negotiate individually with council members.