This paper constitutes the first of a three part series examining the boom in the construction and renovation of K-12 schools and the continuing challenges that communities face in getting the facilities their students and educators need. Part 1 reports on the increase of school construction and renovation that began in 2002, despite a sagging economy. Experts say a host of factors have contributed to the boom, including construction bonds issued during the strong economy of the late 1990s, high-profile reports focusing attention on decaying education infrastructure, major renovations needed to handle new technology, equity lawsuits, and demographic shifts. A 1995 report by the General Accounting Office, which found that $112 billion was needed nationally to renovate or replace long-neglected schools to bring them up to code, became the rallying point for proponents of more spending on facilities. Creative financing methods are discussed, as well as potential problems in planning due to rapid growth. [For Part 2 of this series, "Under Construction," see EJ755610; for Part 3, see EJ755618.]