Jim Steele, assistant superintendent in charge of school buildings for Gwinnett County outside Atlanta, one of the nation’s fastest-growing districts, says he needs eight new schools and sizeable additions to another 24 to house its burgeoning enrolment.

Construction of the summer Olympic facilities has, however, compounded shortages created by a statewide economic boom that has been siphoning skilled workers and equipment away from desperately needed public building projects.

“What we’re dealing with is the law of supply and demand,” Mr Steele said.